Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health concern, experienced by roughly 50% of women and 5% of men in their lifetime. But what does it mean when you get UTIs over and over again? This article explores the causes, treatment and prevention of recurrent UTIs.

Understanding recurrent UTIs

Recurrent UTIs are when someone gets multiple UTIs within a short period – two or more within 6 months, or three or more within a year.  Recurrent UTIs are typically not the same infection coming back again, they are usually new infections that start after the first infection has been completely treated. They can be a different type of bacteria or the same type of bacteria reinfecting you again.

Common causes of recurrent UTIs

There are some differences in what causes a UTI in women vs what causes a UTI in men. Recurrent UTIs can occur in both, but may develop more frequently in some people due to a combination of behaviours, underlying medical conditions and bodily factors.

Behavioural Factors

Our daily habits can increase the likelihood of recurrent UTIs. These include:

• Sexual activity: Increased frequency of sexual intercourse, particularly with new or multiple partners
• Contraception choices: Using spermicides or diaphragms as a form of contraception
• Personal hygiene practices: Poor hygiene practices such as not using gentle soaps and soft washcloths when cleaning the genital area, using incorrect wiping techniques (from back to front), or taking baths instead of showering, can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract
• Fluid Intake: Not drinking enough fluids

Medical Factors

Certain health conditions can make it more likely for you to develop recurrent UTIs:

• Childhood UTI history: A history of UTIs before the age of 16
• Immune suppression: Diseases that affect the immune system, like diabetes or kidney failure
• Menopause: Hormonal changes post-menopause that affect the vaginal tissues
• Incomplete bladder emptying: Conditions that lead to urine retention, such as incontinence
• Catheters: Having a catheter, or drainage tube from the bladder

Anatomical Factors

Physical differences in the urinary tract can contribute to recurrent UTIs:

• Structural abnormalities: Any irregularity in the structure of the urinary tract that interferes with the flow of urine
• Distance between opening of urethra and anus: This distance is shorter in women compared to men, making it easier for bacteria to enter the female urinary tract

Recurrent UTI treatment

Antibiotics are usually the first treatment for urinary tract infections, including recurrent ones. Often a UTI will clear up within a few days of starting treatment, but your doctor may give you antibiotics to take for a week or longer. Learn more about UTIs going away on their own.

Natural remedies for UTIs

While natural remedies should not replace medical treatment, some can support UTI prevention.

Drinking cranberry juice is said to help prevent bacteria from attaching to the inside of your urinary tract and bladder walls, reducing the chance of contracting a UTI. In women with recurrent UTIs there is some evidence that drinking cranberry juice can reduce recurrent UTIs. Remember: If you want to try cranberry products consult your doctor first as it may interact with some medicines.

Taking probiotic supplements may also help in the prevention of recurrent UTIs as these replenish and support the bacteria naturally found in the vagina and help reduce the chance of contracting a UTI. Probiotics have been shown in some cases to help reduce recurrent UTIs in women but research is still being done into preventative probiotics for UTIs. If you feel like probiotics could be beneficial for you, you should talk to your doctor.

Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any natural remedy, as they will be able to advise on effective and safe options.

Recurrent UTI Prevention

Preventing recurrent UTIs can involve a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Here are some preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk of getting recurrent UTIs:

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to help regularly flush bacteria from the urinary tract
• Urination habits: Urinating frequently and fully emptying the bladder helps reduce the risk of infection
• Lifestyle habits: Avoid spermicides and diaphragms as contraception, make sure you urinate after sexual intercourse, use vaginal estrogen if appropriate and avoiding sedentary behaviours
• Personal Hygiene: Ensure you are wiping correctly when using the toilet and cleaning gently and thoroughly

It may be necessary to also consider UTI prevention medication to help manage recurrent UTIs. Hiprex is an antibacterial that suppresses and eliminates the bacteria that can cause UTIs. Hiprex contains an ingredient called methenamine hippurate, which breaks down into an antibacterial agent when in an acidic environment – like the bladder. This antibacterial agent then goes to work killing bacteria that have entered the urinary tract, preventing them from multiplying and causing a UTI. There is no known bacterial resistance recorded for Hiprex.You should ask your doctor if you think Hiprex might be right for you.

When to see your doctor about recurrent UTIs

It is important to always consult a medical professional if you suspect you have a UTI. You should also tell your doctor if you are having recurrent UTIs as there are a range of medical options for prevention that may be suitable for you.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)