UTIs affect millions of individuals every year, and while a single episode can be easily treated, chronic UTIs may result in a reduction in quality of life. To help you better understand this condition and what to do, we'll cover everything you need to know about recurring urinary tract infections, from their causes and symptoms to treatment and prevention.
What Are Recurrent UTIs?
Urinary tract infections are bacterial infections that can affect the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Although UTIs occur quite regularly in the general population, a course of antibiotics can easily cure the infection. However, when they continue to come back, your doctor may classify them as chronic. Individuals are diagnosed with chronic urinary tract infections when they have three or more UTIs within the last 12 months or two or more urinary tract infections in six months. Although women are more prone to UTIs, men can still experience repeated UTIs. Recognizing the symptoms of recurring UTIs is crucial for timely intervention.
Symptoms of Recurring UTIs
The symptoms of recurrent UTIs are the same as a singular episode. The only difference is that an individual will develop a second UTI within six months with chronic infections. If you get UTIs, you may experience one or more of the following UTI symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pressure or pain in the pelvic area
- Increased urgency
- Cloudy urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Changes in the color of urine
If the infection spreads, you may also experience additional symptoms. These can be life-threatening and may indicate severe kidney infection or organ failure, so it's imperative that you seek medical attention immediately if one or more of the following occurs:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Chills
- High, persistent fever
- Mental disorientation
If you think you get recurrent UTIs, it's important to see your doctor for diagnostic testing. Certain conditions, like interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome), can mimic the symptoms of a recurrent UTI, so it's important to get the proper diagnosis for treatment purposes.
Causes of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
The reason for recurrence isn't always known, which is why it's so important to see your doctor regularly and get checked for other underlying conditions. Still, some common causes of UTIs include the following:
Female Anatomy
The urethra is close to the vagina in female anatomy. This increases the risk of bacteria like Escherichia coli entering the urinary system and causing issues. The urethra is also shorter in women, which means bacteria have a shorter distance to travel up into the bladder. Therefore, once bacteria get in the urinary tract, it can quickly cause an infection and increase your risk of further complications. This is one of the primary reasons why women are more likely to get a UTI multiple times in a year when compared to men. A decrease in estrogen after menopause can also increase a woman's risk for a UTI.
Imbalances in Gut Microbiome
A new study conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard has found a link between chronic UTIs and an imbalance in the body's gut microbiome. Essentially, the antibiotics given for a single episode can predispose them to further infections, especially in women who get them more frequently. The more antibiotics taken, the further the gut microbiome is affected, thus decreasing the body's balance of helpful, infection-fighting bacteria. At the end of the day, a greater diversity of gut microbial species seems to help reduce the risk of developing several infections, including this type of UTI.
Risk Factors for Chronic UTIs
Additional risk factors may increase your likelihood of experiencing chronic UTIs over your life. Some of the most notable risk factors for men and women include the following:
- History of childhood UTIs
- Active sex life
- Use of spermicides and diaphragms
- Urethral diverticulum
- Bladder prolapse
- Age-related changes in urinary function
- Urinary incontinence
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Prostate surgery
- Kidney stones
- Vesicoureteric reflux
- Blockage in the urinary tract
- Catheter use
- Diabetes
- Kidney failure
Recurring urinary tract infections may be a sign of an underlying condition, so it's important to see your urologist for the proper diagnosis. To diagnose UTIs, your doctor may perform one of the following tests to check bacterial levels:
- Urinalysis
- Cystoscopy
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
If you have any questions about these tests, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
Treating a Chronic UTI
If you're diagnosed with a UTI, it's important to follow your doctor's treatment plan to help eliminate the bacteria from the bladder and reduce the risk of further complications. Some of the best treatment options for chronic UTIs include:
- Low-dose antibiotics for at least six months (up to two years)
- Intermittent antibiotic therapy
- Vaginal estrogen therapy
If you need to take antibiotics, make sure that you follow your doctor's instructions and avoid any medications that could interfere with the treatment. Infections of the urinary tract that either don't respond to treatment or keep coming back may require a more intensive approach. Additionally, untreated UTIs may lead to more severe infections or complications that can result in issues like incontinence, kidney failure, and more. Getting help at the first sign of any urologic abnormality is the best way to ensure you take care of your health and get the treatment you need.
How to Prevent Chronic Urinary Tract Infections
If you struggle with a UTI that keeps coming back, you know how frustrating it can be. Unfortunately, women are at a disproportionately higher risk of recurring urinary infections. Women who experience recurrent infections tend to feel more discomfort, be at a higher risk of bladder infection and kidney infection, and lead a decreased quality of life. To help prevent UTIs in both genders, consider some of the following tips.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are usually recommended to help prevent future UTIs and help treat any current ones. First, it's important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids. This helps flush out your system and reduce the risk of bacteria multiplying. You should also urinate frequently throughout the day, as this allows urine with bacteria present to exit the body. Whenever you use the bathroom, make sure to completely empty urine from the bladder and always talk to your doctor if you experience a blockage of urine. Cranberry may prevent infection, but it's not 100%, so stick to a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables while minimizing the intake of bladder irritants. Changing contraception methods may also help, especially if you're currently using spermicides or a diaphragm.
Healthy Hygiene Tips
Women with recurrent UTIs should always wipe from front to back and make sure to urinate after sexual intercourse. It's also important to regularly wash your genital area, wear loose clothing, and try to avoid staying in wet clothing for too long.
Low-Dose Antibiotics
Finally, taking regular, low-dose antibiotics over the course of a year may be the best way to prevent chronic UTIs. This can help your body respond to treatment or keep recurring infections at bay. However, if you opt for this route, talk to your doctor about probiotics to help maintain a strong balance of healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome.
If you experience chronic UTIs or other urologic conditions, try not to panic. There are several ways to treat and manage your diagnosis and eliminate the bacteria from your body. However, in doing so, it's extremely important to follow your doctor's prescription plan and take a proactive approach to prevention. To help, Byram Healthcare offers a wide selection of high-quality urological supplies that can be discreetly delivered to your door. Browse our urology products today or call one of our representatives for more information on our catheter delivery program.
