Urinary Tract Infection or Pain When Urinating

• Drink normally, mainly water.
• To reduce pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.

Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.

Apply heat

• Apply a hot compress to the lower abdomen.
• Use a damp towel warmed in the microwave, a hot compress, or a hot water bottle.
• Always place a cloth between the skin and the heat source to protect the skin.

Lukewarm baths for children and teens

• Take a 20-minute lukewarm bath without soap, bubble bath, or any scented products.
• If possible, add 60 mL (4 tablespoons) of baking soda to the water.
• Repeat as needed, up to 4 times a day for 2 days.
• For children: encourage them to pee in the bath, in a sitz bath (sit in a bath with lukewarm water), or while lukewarm water runs over the painful area.

Important: Never leave a child unattended in the bath.

• Injury to the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus):
• Take sitz baths (sit in a bath of lukewarm water).
• Pee in the bath or while lukewarm water runs over the painful area.

Urinary tract infection

• Urinate (pee) as soon as the urge is felt or every 2 to 3 hours.
• Wear cotton underwear and change it every day.
• Note: Any products containing cranberry have not been shown to prevent urinary tract infections. 
• For young children: avoid fastening diapers too tightly.
• Vaginal hygiene: always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Penile hygiene:
  • Wash the inner edge of the foreskin with water only.
  • Do not force the foreskin open or try to pull it back.