6 Habits to Help Avoid UTIs and a New FDA-Approved Medication

Posted July 14, 2025

Until March 25, 2025, a significantly new treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs) had not been released for roughly 30 years. The development of new UTI medications, like the recent FDA approved Blujepa (gepotidacin), are important because UTIs are caused by bacteria—which can become resistant over time to existing mediations/treatments.

Blujepa (gepotidacin) is approved for females ages 12 and over with uncomplicated UTIs. This new medication is approved for eliminating the following types of bacteria: E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii complex, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Blujepa (gepoticacin) works in a different way than other approved UTI medications, it is designed to interfere with bacterial replication (stopping the bacteria from reproducing).  

While some medical treatments are truly unavoidable, the best way to avoid needing medications is to make healthy choices whenever possible. Here are some tips to help you prevent contracting a UTI. 

Stay Hydrated

One of the primary methods of maintaining good health is to always stay hydrated. When it comes to UTIs, consuming an adequate amount of water dilutes urine, making it more difficult for bacteria to multiply. This habit also will make you to urinate more frequently, helping to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. An appropriate goal for proper hydration is at least eight glasses of water daily.

Practice Good Hygiene

When using the bathroom, always be sure to wipe front to back; this practice helps to prevent bacteria from the rectum from entering the urethra. Also, be sure to avoid using scented products near the genital area. Scented products typically have chemicals or other additives in them that may irritate the urinary tract and disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria. Take showers instead of baths whenever possible. Choose cotton underwear; it may help keep the area dry and prevent bacterial growth. 

Urinate Frequently

If you’re already adhering to tip number one, tip three becomes much easier to achieve. Being properly hydrated will naturally increase the times you urinate each day. Avoid holding in your urine whenever possible. Keeping urine in your body longer than is necessary can allow bacteria to multiply in the bladder. Urinate as soon as you can appropriately do so. Also, remember to urinate before and after any sexual activity; this will help to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex or any sexual activity. 

Consider Cranberry Products

Many females have taken to having a glass of cranberry juice in the mornings instead of orange juice—the in the hopes of reducing the instances of UTIs. The truth is they may be onto something; cranberry products have a tendency to adhere to the urinary tract lining which can prevent the existence of a good host environment for bacteria to grow/spread. If you decide to add cranberry juice to your daily beverage lineup, choose an unsweetened cranberry juice to eliminate added sugar and unnecessary calories. 

Other Considerations

If you need a lubricant during sexual activity, be sure to use one that is water based. These products have the ability to reduce friction that may cause irritation; unnecessary irritation can also which can sometimes contribute to UTIs. 

Consider taking a daily probiotics supplement or consuming foods like yogurt that have probiotics included. Probiotics are considered "friendly" bacteria; achieving a proper balance of healthy or friendly bacteria in your body will help promote a healthy urinary tract and reduce the likelihood of contracting a UTI. 

Talk to your doctor

Start a conversation with your primary care provider (PCP) or urologist. These experts will be able to help you discuss potential causes for any UTIs you experience and work with you to develop prevention strategies that are appropriate for you. 

To learn more about Summa Health urology services, find a doctor or schedule an appointment, visit summahealth.org/urology or call 877.655.6330. 

To learn more about Blujepa (gepotidacin), you can read the official release here.