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Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bacterial infection of the urinary system causing an inflammatory response
- Can affect any part of your urinary system: Bladder, kidneys, urethra and/or ureters
- Usual Uropathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis
- A threshold of 3 UTIs in 12 months is used to signify recurrent UTI
- The Pathogenesis of Recurrent UTI: Involves bacterial reinfection/bacterial persistence, with the former being much more common
- Reinfection
- Recurrence with the same organism in more than 2 weeks after treatment, a different organism or a sterile intervening culture
- Bacterial Persistence
- The same bacteria may be cultured in the urine 2 weeks after initiating sensitivity-adjusted therapy
- Reinfection
- More prevalent in women
- Urethra is closer to the rectum
- Urethra is shorter
- Diaphragm use
- The use of products that can change the bacterial makeup of the vagina ie: spermicides, vaginal douches
- Menopause due to hormonal changes resulting in modified vaginal bacteria
- Invasion of E.Coli bacteria into the urinary tract as a result of:
- Improper wiping
- Toilet water backsplash
- Sexual intercourse
- In men
- Enlarged prostate: The bladder does not empty completely, enabling bacteria to grow more easily
- Neurogenic bladder: More prone to recurrent UTIs, as a result of issues with bladder muscle function (urinary retention)
- Frequent urination
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Bloody/dark urine
- Pain in your bladder/kidney regions
- Urine culture: To determine which bacteria are present
- Cystoscopy: To look inside the urethra and bladder to see if there are any abnormalities/issues that could cause the UTI to keep coming back
- Antibiotics
- For a week followed by long term, low-dose antibiotics after the initial symptoms subside
- Post-intercourse
- When on antibiotics, be sure to take probiotics to replenish good bacteria in your system
- Estrogen therapy: For menopausal women
- Water: Drink lots to dilute your urine and help flush out bacteria
- Heat application: Use a heating pad/hot water bottle on your bladder
