Why do I Keep Getting UTIs?

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are infections of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra and kidneys. They are relatively common; in fact, between 50 and 60% of adult women in the U.S. will have at least one UTI in their lifetime, and as many as 44% will get another one. While the infections are generally harmless and easily treatable with antibiotics, chronic UTIs are uncomfortable, impact quality of life and could signify an underlying problem.

This guide covers common causes, prevention strategies, and answers to frequently asked questions about urinary tract infections.

What Are UTIs

UTIs are bacterial infections of the lower and/or upper genitourinary tract (the bladder, urethra and kidneys). Women are far more likely to get UTIs due to female anatomy, though it is a myth that men don’t get UTIs. Around 12% of men will get a UTI in their lifetime, with older men being more likely to get them.

There are three types of UTIs:

Cystitis: An infection in the bladder; this is the most common type of UTI
Urethritis: An infection of the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder.
Pyelonephritis: A less common, more severe infection that happens when the infection travels from the bladder to the kidneys.

What Does a UTI Feel Like?

UTIs are usually very uncomfortable with noticeable symptoms. Most people experience an itching or burning sensation while urinating. Other common signs and symptoms include:

Frequent urge to urinate
Cloudy, strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort

Some people have bacteria in their urinary tract without symptoms, which is called asymptomatic bacteriuria. It usually clears up on its own.

How are UTIs Diagnosed

The primary method of confirming a UTI diagnosis is urinalysis. A urine sample is collected in a sterilized container and analyzed to confirm the presence of bacteria. Other diagnostic methods are usually reserved for severe or recurrent infections. These include CT scans, ultrasounds or cystoscopy, a procedure in which a thin, narrow camera is inserted into the urethra so the doctor can look inside the bladder.

UTI vs. Yeast Infection—How to Tell the Difference

UTIs share some symptoms with other conditions, like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections. Knowing the difference is essential, as these conditions have different causes, and misdiagnosis can delay treatment.

Yeast infections are caused by the overgrowth of a fungus called candida albicans in the vagina. The condition can cause inflammation, intense itchiness around the vulva and a thick, white discharge from the vagina. Similarly, a symptom of BV is a thick discharge and an odor. In contrast, UTIs are caused by a bacterial infection of the urinary tract and usually don’t cause a change in discharge.

Recurrent UTIs

Unfortunately, some women are more susceptible and may suffer from chronic UTIs. When you have two or more UTIs within six months or three or more in one year, that’s called recurrent UTI (rUTI). rUTIs can either be a new or a relapsed infection, meaning the initial UTI was not completely cleared during the initial treatment.

rUTIs can pose serious problems. They can impact one’s quality of life and, over time, lead to antibiotic resistance.

Possible Causes of Recurrent UTIs

There are several possible causes for chronic or rUTIs, some of which are outside your control. UTIs are not necessarily a sign of poor hygiene or anything you did, but some risk factors increase your chances of recurrent UTIs. These include:

Genetics: Some research suggests that some women are genetically predisposed to UTIs, including how their immune systems respond to the infection.
Sexual Activity: More sexual activity can lead to a reinfection. Additionally, using a diaphragm and spermicides can increase the risk of chronic UTIs.
Diabetes: People with type II diabetes are at increased risk for UTIs
Hormonal Changes: When some women near menopause, they may begin experiencing more UTIs. This is due to a drop in estrogen, which makes menopausal women more susceptible to dryness, infections, and irritation in the pelvic organs.

How are Recurrent UTIs Treated?

Prescription antibiotics are the primary treatment method for UTIs, which is also the case for chronic or recurrent infections. Sometimes, doctors prescribe a low-dose course of antibiotics for six months or longer to treat repeat infections. The most important thing is to receive an accurate diagnosis so that you get the right treatment and counsel.

Over-the-counter (OTC) UTI Medicine and Home Remedies

If you’ve had a UTI before and notice the telltale signs like burning during urination and irritation, you may be tempted to skip the doctor’s office and try OTC or at-home remedies. Some OTC medications, like urinary pain relievers, can help with the symptoms of a UTI, but they cannot eradicate the bacteria that cause a UTI.

Popular home remedies such as cranberry supplements/juice or boric acid are often touted as “natural” antibiotic alternatives. However, emerging studies on boric acid show a slight chance it works, but only if used within 4-24 hours after the bacterial infection, which is not enough time for most people. There’s no clinical evidence that cranberry juice or supplements treat UTIs, but some research suggests that certain cranberry products may help prevent recurrent UTIs.

How to Prevent Chronic or Recurrent UTIs

Avoiding UTIs altogether is the best option. If you are prone to chronic UTIs, there are several actions you can take to help reduce infections. These include:

If you are sexually active, urinate before and after penetrative sexual intercourse, as sex can move bacteria to the urethra.
Drink lots of water to help flush potentially harmful bacteria out of your system
If you are menopausal, the use of topical estrogen can reduce irritation and infections
Some research suggests that cranberry juice or tablets are an effective prevention method for UTIs.
Similarly, probiotics, also known as “good bacteria,” such as Lactobacillus, have been shown to help with the prevention and reduced frequency of UTIs.

UTI FAQs

Why do I keep getting UTIs?

Recap of common causes.

What does a UTI feel like?

Signs and symptoms of a UTI include a burning or stinging sensation during urination, cloudy urine with a strong odor, a frequent urge to urinate, and discomfort or pain in the pelvic area.

Can you have sex with a UTI?

You should NOT have sex with a UTI. Sexual intercourse may make the infection worse by pushing bacteria further into the urethra or causing unnecessary inflammation. Healthcare providers recommend not engaging in any penetrative sexual intercourse until the infection is fully cleared up.

Can a UTI go away on its own?

Mild or asymptomatic UTIs may resolve independently, but if left untreated, the infection can worsen, spread to the bladder, or lead to other complications.

How do I know if I have a UTI or a yeast infection?

A key difference between a UTI and a yeast infection is the presence of a thick, white discharge, which signifies a yeast infection. UTis also tend to burn during urination and cause the frequent urge to urinate.

Can recurrent UTIs be a sign of cancer?

A history of chronic UTIs can elevate the risk of bladder cancer. However, the majority of people with chronic UTIs will not develop cancer. If you have chronic UTIs, speak with your healthcare provider so they can counsel you on possible underlying causes.

Can kidney stones cause UTIs?

Several studies have found a link between rUTIs and Kidney stone disease (KSD). Blockages in the urinary tract, like kidney stones, can increase the risk of UTIs; some people will have both conditions simultaneously.

How long does a UTI last?

Once you start antibiotics, symptoms of the UTI can start clearing up as early as a day or two. Left untreated, a UTI may persist for much longer or even get more severe or spread to the bladder.

Seek the Care of an Ob/Gyn For Recurrent UTIs

If you have had more than two to three UTIs in the past year, you should speak with your healthcare provider to see if there are any underlying causes and help with prevention techniques. Simple lifestyle changes can help prevent future infections, such as staying adequately hydrated, avoiding certain spermicides and ensuring you stay on top of personal hygiene and sexual health. If you’re struggling with repeat UTIs, request an appointment with your Genesis provider today.

What to do About Repeat UTIs