Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem for women, impacting their daily lives on a daily basis.

What is the definition of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

A urinary tract infection occurs twice within a period of 6 months or three times within a period of 12 month.

What are the causes of recurrent urinary tract infections?

**Urinary tract abnormalities (bladder and ureters)

**Foreign bodies in the urinary tract (such as stones, tumors, catheters, etc.)

**Diabetes

**Weakened immunity

**Estrogen deficiency during menopause

**Urinary retention (inability to completely empty the bladder)

**Personal hygiene problems

**Sexual relationships with multiple partners

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

**Based on symptoms (burning urination, blood in the urine, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, fever, urinary tract discharge)

**Laboratory tests (urinalysis, urine culture, white blood cell count, blood inflammatory markers)

How are recurrent urinary tract infections treated?

** Identify the causes

** Prescribe an antibiotic appropriate for the type of bacteria present

**Drink adequate amounts of water

**Wipe the genital area from front to back, not the other way around.

**Use antibiotics during intercourse if the infection is found to be related to intercourse.

**Chronic, low-dose antibiotic use to prevent recurrence of the infection

**Topical estrogen use during menopause

**Cranberry extract use to adjust urine acidity

When is a cystoscopy performed?

If there is a suspicion of a foreign body in the bladder or a bladder tumor.

What happens if urinary tract infections are left untreated?

Bacteria may spread and cause pyelonephritis , affecting kidney function or leading to sepsis.

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist