Final answer:
Using probiotics has not been shown to be as consistently effective in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women as other measures. Antibiotics are a well-established treatment, and both cranberry juice and good hygiene practices have been shown to help prevent UTIs, whereas the effectiveness of probiotics remains uncertain.
Step-by-step explanation:
In addressing the question of which option has not been shown to be a preventive against urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, we need to look at each one individually. From current knowledge, drinking cranberry juice is often recommended as it can help prevent UTIs by making the urine more acidic, potentially inhibiting the growth of bacteria like Escherichia coli, which is the most common cause of UTIs. Taking antibiotics is a well-established treatment for UTIs as they kill the bacteria causing the infection. Maintaining good hygiene practices is crucial for preventing UTIs since poor hygiene can lead to bacterial contamination and subsequent infection. However, using hand soaps or household cleaning products labeled as "antibacterial" is not necessarily healthier or more effective at preventing UTIs than regular cleaning products, as these do not specifically target urinary pathogens.
Thus, based on the provided information, the correct answer would be using probiotics. There is no strong evidence to suggest that probiotics can consistently prevent UTIs. While probiotics are known to restore good bacteria that can be depleted by taking antibiotics, their direct effect on UTI prevention has not been robustly established in comparison to other preventive measures like hygiene practices, antibiotics, and the consumption of cranberry juice.