Ways to Clean Out Your Urethra

Many women suffer from painful urinary issues such as urinary tract infections and urethritis 1. Taking care of yourself and having a clean urethra is key to staying healthy and avoiding bladder issues.

The Urethra

The urethra is an important part of the urinary system which allows urine to leave the bladder and exit the body. Due to the location and shortness of the female urethra, women are more likely than men to have urethral and urinary problems. Pain while urinating can be a sign of an inflamed or infected urethra. Although some cases of urethritis are caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), you can get urethritis from simple irritations. Taking care of your urinary system can help you to avoid this painful problem.

Drinking Water

Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is not only a good way to stay hydrated, but it also promotes a healthy urethra. The more water you drink, the more you will urinate, giving your body the chance to flush out bacteria. Not drinking enough fluids or holding your urine too long can cause bacteria to build up in your urethra or other areas of the urinary system, causing a painful infection.

Avoid Irritation

Bringing foreign irritants into the vaginal region can cause pelvic and bladder infections. If you are prone to having an inflamed urethra, use clean towels that have been washed in scent-free detergent. Take frequent showers and avoid bubble baths or other fancy soaps. Stick to plain, white soap with no scent. Use regular latex, water-lubricated condoms. Spermicide condoms can be dangerous to a sensitive urethra. Change your pads and tampons often during your period. Leaving one in too long can lead to infection.

Learn to Love Cranberries

Cranberries and cranberry juice work wonders as a healthy and natural way to clean out your urinary system and avoid problems. Cranberries contain properties that can stop bad bacteria from sticking to the urethra and urinary tract. If you don't like the taste of cranberry juice, you can also take natural cranberry supplements in pill form.

Ask Your Doctor

If you are experiencing pain during urination or a throbbing in your urethra, contact your primary doctor, gynecologist or urologist. Home cleansing works to prevent urethral problems, but once an infection is present, antibiotics are necessary to completely rid your body of the infection.