Prevention:

Prompt and complete treatment of bladder infections may prevent development of many cases of pyelonephritis. Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection should be treated thoroughly.

You can help preventing kidney infections by taking the following steps:

• Keep the genital area clean. Wiping from front to back helps reduce the chance of introducing bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.
• Urinating immediately after sexual intercourse. This may help eliminate any bacteria that may have been introduced during sexual activity.
• Drink more fluids (64 to 128 ounces per day). This encourages frequent urination and flushes bacteria from the bladder.
• Drink cranberry juice. Doing so prevents certain types of bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder and may lessen your chance of infection.