UTIs

Cystitis is an infection of the urinary tract and bladder. Drinking a lot of purified water, especially in hotter climates, may help to reduce your chances of suffering from this problem.

Coping with Foreign Bathrooms

Modern bathrooms as we know them in North America do exist around the world, but not everywhere. As a traveler, you'll come across everything from outhouses to simple holes in the ground where squatting is a necessity. Some toilets will flush, but many won't. In developing countries, some cubicles are enclosed. However, as you venture further into the countryside, you might have to make do with little or no privacy.

To cope with the vagaries of foreign bathrooms, consider wearing a long, full skirt. This will allow for some modesty in situations where you have to "go" outdoors.

Always carry a supply of toilet paper with you. In some parts of the world, it's either very scarce or too coarse to be usable.

In parts of Asia and Africa , expect a jug of water, left beside the toilet, in lieu of paper. The smell in toilets is sometimes overpowering.

Try dabbing some mentholatum under your nose to help mask the odors while you use the facilities.

Carry your own antiseptic wipes or a small bar of soap. These are generally not easily available.

Managing Urinary Tract Infections when Traveling
-- By Daniel L. Watson , MD, FACS

If you are a woman who suffers from frequent (more than two or three per year) urinary tract infections, here is some advice: