Which practice is recommended to reduce the risk of cystitis?

Which practice is recommended to reduce the risk of cystitis?

• A. Wipe from back to front after using the bathroom
• B. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
• C. Skip fluids to reduce bladder irritation
• D. Use scented feminine products to prevent infections

Answer: (B)

Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom helps keep bacteria from the rectal area away from the urethral opening, reducing the chance that bacteria can travel up to the bladder and cause cystitis. In women, the urethra is relatively short, so this simple hygiene step is especially important to prevent bacterial ascent. Wiping back to front can move rectal bacteria toward the urethra, increasing infection risk. Staying well hydrated helps flush bacteria from the bladder, so skipping fluids would not protect against infection, and scented feminine products can irritate the vaginal and urethral tissues, potentially raising infection risk.

Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom helps keep bacteria from the rectal area away from the urethral opening, reducing the chance that bacteria can travel up to the bladder and cause cystitis. In women, the urethra is relatively short, so this simple hygiene step is especially important to prevent bacterial ascent. Wiping back to front can move rectal bacteria toward the urethra, increasing infection risk. Staying well hydrated helps flush bacteria from the bladder, so skipping fluids would not protect against infection, and scented feminine products can irritate the vaginal and urethral tissues, potentially raising infection risk.