UTI›Possible causes, treatment and prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection
Possible causes, treatment and prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection
- A recurrent UTI is when you have two UTIs within the previous 6 months or three UTIs within the past 12 months1
- Recurrence of a UTI usually occur within three months of the first infection, with 80% of recurrent UTI are infected with the same bacteria1
Causes of recurrent UTI1
There are several factors that can increase the risk of recurrent UTI, particularly in pre-menopausal women who are sexually active
Experience symptoms of UTI shortly after a sexual intercourse
Use of spermicide for contraception
New sexual partners
Voiding dysfunction where the bladder is not emptied completely
Medical conditions, such as diabetes and weakened immune system
Maternal history of UTI
Treatment and prevention of recurrent UTI1–3
1
Counselling and behavioural measures
Your doctor will discuss with you about the following:
- A recurrent UTI is when you have two UTIs within the previous 6 months or three UTIs within the past 12 months1
- Recurrence of a UTI usually occur within three months of the first infection, with 80% of recurrent UTI are infected with the same bacteria1
2
Dietary and lifestyle changes
- Consume plenty of fluids
- Urinate frequently and avoid holding urine for a long time
3
Antibiotics to kill the bacteria related to UTI
Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe:
- low doses of an antibiotic daily for 6 months or longer
- single dose of antibiotic after having sexual intercourse
- antibiotic for 1 or 2 days when symptoms of UTI occur
4
Use of antibiotic prophylaxis (treatment to prevent further spread of infection in the UTI)
- When all other treatment options (personal hygiene measures and non-antibiotic treatments) fail, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic prophylaxis
- Your doctor will arrange a follow-up every 6 months to assess treatment success
References
- 1 – Al-Badr A, Al-Shaikh G. SQU Med J 2013;13:359–367.
- 2 – NICE Guidelines. Urinary tract infection (recurrent): Antimicrobial prescribing. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng112/resources/urinary-tract-infection-recurrent-antimicrobial-prescribing-pdf-66141595059397. Accessed 14 June 2021.
- 3 – National Kidney Foundation. Urinary tract infections. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/uti. Accessed 8 June 2021.
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