Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

What are urinary tract infections?

Urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to an infection in any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. 
Most commonly, UTI is used to refer to an infection in the bladder, also known as cystitis.

UTIs are common in women but can also affect men. UTIs often recur – it is estimated that around a third of women with a UTI will have a repeated infection. 

Recurrent UTI is usually defined as two infections in six months, or three infections in a year. Although a UTI will often resolve without treatment, recurrent UTIs can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. 

If left untreated, there is also a risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys. At London Urologica we provide full support for a range of bladder conditions, including UTIs. 

Our team of experts are able to offer diagnostic services as well as a range of treatment options to help you manage your symptoms.

Causes

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria. UTIs can affect anyone but are more common in women because the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body) is shorter in women than in men. 

This means it is easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract and cause infection. Often there is no specific reason why someone experiences recurrent UTIs, although the likelihood of a UTI increases with age in both women and men. 

Recurrent UTIs may be associated with sexual activity.  Recurrent UTIs are also more common in people with diabetes, in people who are immunocompromised and in people with an indwelling catheter.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a UTI commonly involve any or all of:

•    Pain, burning or stinging whilst urinating (peeing)
•    A need to urinate more often
•    Feeling an urgent need to urinate
•    Needing to urinate at night
•    Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
•    Pain in the pelvic area

A UTI may also cause blood in the urine. If you experience this symptom, you will need further tests to rule out any other possible causes.

Diagnosis

Recurrent UTI can be diagnosed by taking a full history plus testing a laboratory test of a urine sample.

Further tests such as ultrasound may be recommended to exclude any other conditions that may be causing your symptoms such as urinary tract stones, congenital abnormalities or bladder cancer. 

This is particularly important if you have experienced any blood in the urine.

Treatments

Recurrent UTIs can be uncomfortable and can affect your quality of life. At London Urologica, we offer a full range of treatment options and will discuss with you the best way to manage your condition and any associated symptoms.