Most important though is to keep your genital area clean by wiping from front to back after bowl movements and cleaning the urethral area with moist cotton balls. You should wash your entire genital area every day with mild, unscented soap, then rinse and pat dry with a clean, soft, cloth. Some doctors believe that women with frequent UTIs should always take showers rather than baths. Others believe a hot bath during a bout of UTI will help kill the bacteria. If you decide on baths, do not use bath oils or bubble bath and limit them to one or two a week, with no more than five minutes of soaking time.
Hot water can excite the urethra.
Do not use oils, feminine hygiene sprays, or talcum powder in your genital area and don't douche with any chemical substances. All of these agents irritate the skin. When you have your period, frequently change whatever form of sanitary protection you use. Both sanitary napkins and tampons have been known to provide a route for bacteria. In addition, tampons may put pressure on the urethra, encouraging infection.