Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Swimming In Chlorinated Pools Safe While Suffering From UTI?
Question: Can I swim in my own chlorinated pool when I have a U.T.I.? I have been taking antibiotics for 2 days. This is not a chronic condition. Have not had a U.T.I. in decades.
Brief Answer:
If your pain is gone, there is no reason not to swim.
Detailed Answer:
If your pain is gone and you are feeling well overall, there is no reason not to swim in your chlorinated pool.
As an added precaution, urinate after you come in from swimming to wash out any bacteria that might be in that area of your skin. But even this is not absolutely necessary.
To help if you develop any future UTIs: If you start to have any urinary tract symptoms, drink copious amounts of water and also cranberry juice or take cranberry powder supplements. If you drink the juice, you can cut down on the amount of sugar you take in by making your own from cranberry concentrate, water, and adding a little apple juice. Cranberry has been shown in research to have beneficial effects in that it interferes with bacteria adhering to the bladder wall.
Sometimes women are more prone to UTIs after menopause and if you find that you start to get frequent UTIs, estrogen cream (prescription) inserted in the vagina can usually fix that without overall systemic estrogen effects. But this does not sound like it is your problem as you have not had many UTIs.
So go enjoy your pool and I wish you well!
If your pain is gone, there is no reason not to swim.
Detailed Answer:
If your pain is gone and you are feeling well overall, there is no reason not to swim in your chlorinated pool.
As an added precaution, urinate after you come in from swimming to wash out any bacteria that might be in that area of your skin. But even this is not absolutely necessary.
To help if you develop any future UTIs: If you start to have any urinary tract symptoms, drink copious amounts of water and also cranberry juice or take cranberry powder supplements. If you drink the juice, you can cut down on the amount of sugar you take in by making your own from cranberry concentrate, water, and adding a little apple juice. Cranberry has been shown in research to have beneficial effects in that it interferes with bacteria adhering to the bladder wall.
Sometimes women are more prone to UTIs after menopause and if you find that you start to get frequent UTIs, estrogen cream (prescription) inserted in the vagina can usually fix that without overall systemic estrogen effects. But this does not sound like it is your problem as you have not had many UTIs.
So go enjoy your pool and I wish you well!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
