What is a UTI?
UTIs – urinary tract infections – can occur anywhere in the urinary tract: urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Most often UTIs occur in the bladder and are caused by bacteria.
What is a Chronic UTI?
When a woman experiences 2 or more UTIs in 6 months or 3+ infections in 12 months, it is called recurrent or chronic urinary tract infections.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
- Discomfort, burning, or stinking during urination
- Strong urge to urinate with small quantities of urine
- Lower abdominal pain/pressure
- Cloudy or blood-tinged urine
If the UTI has reached your kidneys, other symptoms might include back pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. Get medical care immediately.
What are the treatments for Chronic Urinary Tract Infections?
There can be many different reasons for UTIs to recur or become chronic. Our physicians will work with you to determine the cause(s) of your infections. A few of the early recommendations might include:
- Increasing fluid intake
- Urinating after intercourse
- Avoiding spermicides (if possible)
- Vaginal estrogen (for post menopausal women)
- Low dose antibiotics, single antibiotic doses, short courses of treatment determined by you
- A variety of non-antibiotic treatments like cranberry juice, probiotics, and more
Are there other procedures to correct Chronic Urinary Tract Infections?
Depending on the cause of your chronic UTIs, additional treatment may be recommended by our urogynecology team. This includes pelvic floor therapy, bladder training, and more. If it is determined that something in your anatomy may be the cause, our team may recommend surgery. In nearly all cases, this is minimally invasive surgery.
