Recurrent UTIs (RUTI) are mainly caused by reinfection by the same pathogen. Having frequent sexual intercourse is one of the greatest risk factors for RUTIs. In a subgroup of individuals with coexisting morbid conditions, complicated RUTIs can lead to upper tract infections or urosepsis.
Anatomy and/or genetics
Once bacteria is in the urethra, it only has a short distance to travel to the bladder and cause an infection. Additionally, some women have cells that are naturally more receptive to bacteria, meaning the bacteria are less likely to be flushed out by your natural body functions.
Frequent infections are usually treated with a lower dose of antibiotics taken for a longer period of time. Some patients may be advised to use self-directed antibiotic therapy, referring to the use of antibiotics at the first sign of an infection.
The best things to drink when you have a UTI are water, electrolyte drinks that are low in sugar, and unsweetened cranberry juice. You should avoid drinks that can irritate your bladder when you have a UTI like caffeinated beverages, acidic drinks, and alcohol.
"It's also important to consult your doctor if you're getting UTIs frequently — which is about three or more times per year," Dr. Kannady recommends.
Cranberry juice is one of the most well-established natural treatments for UTIs. People also use it to clear other infections and speed wound recovery. 2020 research into the effectiveness of cranberries for UTIs has found it to be effective.
Try incorporating foods like plain Greek yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut into your diet, since they contain good bacteria that can help combat an infection. High-fiber foods. Foods that are high in fiber—such as bananas, beans, lentils, nuts, oats, and other whole grains—can help remove harmful bacteria from your body.
This may mean you have a long-term (chronic) bladder infection that is not picked up by current urine tests. Ask the GP for a referral to a specialist for further tests and treatment. We would point out that long-term, chronic UTI can affect anyone but is more prevalent in women and girls.
“The good news is that's it's usually nothing too serious, especially if you are a woman,” says urologist Sandip Vasavada, MD. “We see recurrent UTIs in women of all ages,” he says. (Doctors classify UTIs as recurrent if you have three or four infections in one year.)
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are typically not serious and easily treated. UTIs that return frequently or that do not go away with treatment, however, may indicate other health issues.
UTIs usually require antibiotics to be treated, meaning you'll need to visit a healthcare provider. Telehealth services can make it easier to schedule an appointment. Getting started on your antibiotic right away and drinking plenty of water are some of the most important steps in helping to get rid of a UTI fast.
Drink water.
Staying hydrated is vital. Aim to drink at least two liters, about 64 ounces, of water daily. This rule holds true for most, unless they have a condition like a heart problem or are following their doctor's advice. Drinking water throughout the day helps to dilute urine and prevent kidney stones.
A persistent bladder infection can last for years in the form of a chronic urinary tract infection. For many females, the cycle of acute and symptom-free periods is never broken, and some move on to be diagnosed with the conditions mentioned above, such as Interstitial Cystitis (IC), or Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS).
Can stress cause a UTI? Not directly. However, stress can increase your cortisol levels, which can affect your immune system and make you more prone to infections. Stress can also cause muscle tension, which might impact your bladder muscles.
Bacteria that live in the vagina, genital, and anal areas may enter the urethra, travel to the bladder, and cause an infection. This can happen during sexual activity when bacteria from your partner's genitals, anus, fingers, or sex toys gets pushed into your urethra.
If a UTI isn't treated, there's a chance it could spread to the kidneys. In some cases, this can trigger sepsis. This happens when your body becomes overwhelmed trying to fight infection. It can be deadly.
Cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be the same thing, but they aren't always. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder that can be caused by infectious or noninfectious reasons. UTIs are infections of the urinary tract, including everything from the urethra to the bladder to the kidneys.
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Probably the most famous hospital-acquired infection or 'superbug', MRSA is so-called because of its resistance to the antibiotic methicillin (hence Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureas).
Wash your hands with soap and water throughout the day. Get recommended vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases such as measles and chickenpox. Practice safer sex to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Stay home when ill.