antibiotic use may also cause it

from what i read, you can do the followings:

-drink enough fluid, cranberry juice is good too. the environment there for a healthy woman is naturally acidic, from 3.8-4.5 PH. it has self cleaning function.

-don't douche, which may destroy the natural environment.

-eat yogurt, which will help fight off the bacteria.

-some long term antibiotic medication may cause the inbalance of the natural environment, therefore cause infection.

you may need treatment, during acute stage, but for maintainence, the above is important. use bathroom when you need to, don't hold the bladder. drink plenty of fluid, good rest, good diet, all those are essential to overall health.