Approximately 50-60% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime and recurrent infections are common.

Recurrent urinary tract infections often present with symptoms of frequency, burning with urination, pain above the pubic bone, and possible blood in the urine. Patients should go through a physical examination and analysis of a urine sample to look for underlying causes of recurrent infections. More complicated cases of repeat infection may require diagnostic tests to visualize the bladder, kidneys, and ureters (tube from the kidney to the bladder).

Initial treatment is usually guided by the urine culture which specifies which antibiotic is best for treatment.  When a pattern of repeat infections is noted, some women may benefit from preventative antibiotics.  This may include antibiotics before or after sexual activity, or very low dose antibiotics taken regularly.  Additional ancillary preventative measures may include probiotics, cranberry products, or local estrogen treatment.

{Published in The Journal of Women’s Health, Volume 21, Number 3, 2012. Co Authors: Sandy Nosseir, MD,  Lawrence Lind, MD, Harvey Winkler, MD}

If you have experienced recurrent urinary tract infections and would like to speak to one of our professional physicians please call (516)622-5144 to schedule a consultation.