However, since these products are not subject to strict controls, additional ingredients may be added. They differ in size or quality. And without a medical professional’s guidance, a patient may unknowingly take a supplement that interacts with their current medication. “One of the biggest problems with these things is quality control,” said Dr. Brooker.

Is there anything else that can prevent UTIs?

Doctors aren’t entirely sure why some people experience frequent UTIs and others never have them. People who get frequent UTIs are often prescribed low-dose daily antibiotics. For the general public, however, there are simple steps you can take to prevent these infections.

Basic hygiene is important: Women should always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. It’s important for both men and women to stay hydrated and urinate throughout the day — don’t try to stretch for long periods of time in an uncomfortable position, Dr. Higgins said.

During perimenopause and menopause, women may be at higher risk for UTIs due to declining estrogen levels. Topical vaginal estrogen is the “gold standard” non-antibiotic treatment for preventing recurrent UTIs in this population, Dr. Loder said.

And, according to conventional wisdom, urinating after sex can flush bacteria from the vagina and reduce the risk of UTIs, Dr. Rosen said, although evidence supporting the practice’s effectiveness is thin.

“There’s really no data for it,” Dr. Brooker said.

Doctors caution against assuming that all vaginal irritation or pain is a UTI. Common UTI symptoms include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, sexually transmitted infections, Urinary incontinence and even bladder cancer. If a patient has symptoms of a UTI and especially if there is blood in the urine, they should see a doctor. If you don’t have a primary care physician, urgent care centers can diagnose UTIs, Dr. Higgins said.