I Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections. How Can I Prevent Them?

At least once in their lifetime, most women experience the frequent urge to urinate, bloody urine, pain, and burning that urinary tract infections (UTIs) bring. But did you know that for at least 25% of women, these UTIs become a recurring theme?

The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes more than 90% of UTIs. E. coli is naturally found in your intestines, but if it gets into your urinary system, it can cause an infection. Signs you have a UTI include:

• Frequent, often urgent, need to urinate
• Feeling like you need to go again after emptying your bladder
• Pain, pressure, or burning when urinating
• Changes in the smell or appearance of your urine 
• Pain in your lower back or abdomen 

UTIs not only cause frustrating and painful symptoms, but when not treated effectively, the infection can spread to other organs and lead to serious complications. 

Board-certified OB/GYN Daniel S. Kushner, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating onetime and recurring UTIs at his private practice in White Plains and Queens, New York. If you’ve experienced recurring UTIs, take a moment to learn why you might be getting them and how you can prevent them.

Why do I keep getting UTIs?

You have recurring or chronic UTIs if you get two or more medically diagnosed UTIs within six months. Women develop chronic urinary infections for many reasons, but certain factors increase your risk, including:

• Having a close family member with a history of UTIs
• Older age because of changes in vaginal pH
• Using certain forms of birth control (sponges; diaphragms)
• Having a health condition that makes you susceptible to infection
• Taking certain medications (oral antibiotics; antihistamines)
• Not urinating after sexual activity

Not wiping from front-to-back after using the restroom and using vaginal douches, scented feminine washes, or scented sanitary products also increases your risk of recurrent UTIs. 

How can I prevent future UTIs?

The good news is that most UTIs are successfully treated with an oral antibiotic. For some women, however, a short course (3-7 days) of antibiotics isn’t enough to stop their UTIs from coming back.

If you’re experiencing recurring UTIs, be sure to discuss your symptoms with Dr. Kushner. He may recommend a long-term (6-24 months), low-dose antibiotic to break your UTI cycle. He may also suggest taking a single-dose antibiotic each time you have sex.

Dr. Kushner also explains the importance of making key lifestyle changes to help prevent future UTIs. These simple steps can reduce your risk of getting another infection: 

• Urinate frequently: Holding in or postponing urination increases your risk for UTIs
• Drink more water: Staying hydrated flushes out unwanted bacteria 
• Try cranberry juice or cranberry capsules: Some studies show cranberries contain a compound that prevents unfriendly bacteria from entering your urinary tract
• Urinate after sex: This helps flush out unfriendly bacteria 
• Be smart with personal hygiene: Shower instead of bathing, wipe front to back after urinating, choose unscented feminine hygiene products, and wash your genitals and anus every day

You can also avoid birth control methods linked with chronic UTIs. And if you’re a woman in menopause, talk to Dr. Kushner about vaginal estrogen therapy. This treatment can restore the natural pH balance of your vagina and protect you against chronic UTIs. 

You can get relief. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Kushner at the New York location nearest you.