Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections are infections that occur frequently or repeatedly in some people. They can cause symptoms such as burning, urgency, frequency, and pain when urinating, as well as cloudy, foul-smelling, or bloody urine. Recurrent UTIs can affect the quality of life and increase the risk of complications such as kidney damage or sepsis. Recurrent UTI is defined as two or more episodes of UTI in a 6-month period or three or more episodes of UTI in a 12-month period.

Through this blog, Dr. Ashit Shah, a renowned urologist in Vadodara, will guide you about the causes, offer treatment options and also guide you about the foods that you should or should not intake.

The causes of recurrent UTIs are not fully understood, but some factors may increase the likelihood of getting them. If you wish to know about them in detail, you may read below.

Well, here are some symptoms that you should not ignore. They point to a urine infection.

How To Recognize Whether You Have A Urine Infection?

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) can vary depending on the part of the urinary tract that is affected. Some common symptoms include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or back
• Feeling tired or shaky
• Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have reached your kidneys)

Before we jump to the treatment options, it is necessary to understand what causes UTI.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections in Males and Females?

Recurring Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common issue affecting both men and women. In women, certain factors increase the likelihood of experiencing frequent UTIs. These include engaging in sexual activity, using spermicides, having new or multiple sexual partners, having a history of UTIs before the age of 15 and whitish discharge from the vagina.

For postmenopausal women, the risk is influenced by low estrogen levels and difficulties with bladder emptying and the presence of cystocele.

In men, the primary cause of recurrent UTIs often stems from a blockage in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate or urethral structure or other factors like urinary stones. Other shared risk factors for recurrent UTIs in both genders involve incomplete bladder emptying, the use of specific birth control methods, and a family history of UTI.

Let’s now move to the treatment options.

How Is Urinary Tract Infection Treated?

The treatment for recurrent UTIs is usually antibiotics, which can be taken in different ways depending on the severity and frequency of the infections. Some options are:

• Taking a low dose of antibiotics daily for three six months or longer to prevent infections from occurring. (chemoprophylaxis)
• Taking antibiotics only after having sex, if sex is a trigger for UTIs.
• Taking antibiotics only when symptoms appear, after confirming the infection with a urine test.
• Taking a different antibiotic each time, to avoid bacterial resistance.

However, antibiotics can have side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, yeast infections, and allergic reactions. They can also disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the body, which can lead to other problems. Therefore, it is important to use antibiotics only when necessary and as prescribed by a doctor.

However, in the case of complicated urinary tract infections, antibiotic therapy is done intravenously. Treating the cause of UTI is the sure-shot way of preventing further episodes of recurrence.

There are also some natural and behavioural ways to prevent recurrent UTIs, such as:

• Using alternative contraception that does not contain spermicide, such as condoms, diaphragms, or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
• Considering vaginal estrogen therapy for postmenopausal women, to restore vaginal health and reduce the risk of infection.
• Wiping from front to back after using the toilet, to prevent bacteria from the anus from reaching the urethra.
• Wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, to keep the genital area dry and breathable.

Apart from the above the food that we eat plays an important role in recurrent UTIs. Here are some things that you must keep in mind to avoid recurrent UTIs.

Foods And Drinks That May Increase Your Risk Of UTIs

Some studies have suggested that certain foods and drinks may increase your risk of getting UTIs, or make them more severe or recurrent. These include:

• Sugar and refined carbohydrates. Sugar and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, and rice, can feed the bacteria that cause UTIs and make them more resistant to antibiotics. They can also lower your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
• Caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can irritate your bladder and make you urinate more often, which can flush out the good bacteria that protect your urinary tract and allow the bad bacteria to grow. They can also dehydrate you and make your urine more concentrated, which can increase the acidity and inflammation of your urinary tract.

Foods And Drinks That May Help Prevent Or Treat UTIs

On the other hand, some studies have shown that certain foods and drinks may help prevent or treat UTIs or reduce their severity or frequency. These include:

• Water. Water is the best drink for UTIs, as it can flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract and dilute your urine, making it less acidic and inflammatory. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day can help prevent and relieve UTIs.

• Cranberries. Cranberries and cranberry products, such as juice, capsules, or tablets, can prevent UTIs by preventing the bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall and causing infection. However, cranberry products are not effective in treating a UTI if you already have one, and they may have some drawbacks, such as high sugar content, low concentration of active ingredients, and possible interactions with medications.
  
  Cranberry juice and other cranberry products contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are plant chemicals that may prevent or treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) by stopping the bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract and reducing inflammation and acidity. 
  
  However, the evidence for the effectiveness of cranberry products for UTIs is not clear and consistent. Some studies have shown that they may reduce the risk of UTIs in some groups of people, such as women with recurrent UTIs, children, and older adults in nursing homes, while others have shown no effect. Therefore, cranberry products should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment, and you should always consult your doctor if you have symptoms of a UTI or suspect you have one.

• Probiotics. Probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, or supplements, can restore the beneficial bacteria in your gut and vagina, and boost your immune system. They can also create a protective barrier against the bad bacteria that cause UTIs and make them less likely to adhere to the urinary tract. However, the evidence for probiotics is limited and more research is needed.

• Vitamin C. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, can acidify your urine and make it less hospitable for bacterial growth. It can also enhance your immune system and help your body fight off infections. You can get vitamin C from foods such as bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple, or from supplements.

The Hidden Dangers Of Untreated UTIs: How They Can Affect Your Kidneys And Beyond

Many people may think that UTIs in women are not a serious problem and that they will go away on their own. However, ignoring the symptoms of a UTI can have serious consequences. If left untreated, an infection in the urinary tract can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe complications, such as:

• Kidney infections. A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, occurs when the bacteria that cause a UTI reach the kidneys and cause inflammation and damage. This can result in symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, back or side pain, and blood in the urine. Kidney infections can impair the function of the kidneys and lead to permanent kidney damage or kidney failure if not treated promptly.

• Kidney scarring. A kidney scar, also known as renal scarring, occurs when the tissue of the kidney is damaged by inflammation or infection. This can reduce the ability of the kidney to filter the blood and remove waste and toxins from the body. Kidney scarring can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure.

• Sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes overwhelming and causes damage to multiple organs and systems. Sepsis can be triggered by a UTI that spreads to the bloodstream and causes symptoms such as low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, confusion, difficulty breathing, and organ failure. Sepsis can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Recurrent UTIs in women are frequent or repeated urinary tract infections that can cause discomfort and complications. They can be caused by various factors, such as sex, menopause, genetics, or other conditions. Antibiotics are the main treatment, but they can have side effects and disrupt the bacterial balance.

Natural and behavioural methods can help prevent recurrent UTIs, such as drinking water, avoiding irritants, using alternative contraception, taking cranberry products, and taking probiotics. Recurrent UTIs can be managed and prevented with proper care and attention. Consult your doctor for the best treatment and prevention options for you.