Medically reviewed by Siri Drangsholt, MD
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, especially in women. But if it feels like you have barely recovered from one infection before another starts, it may be time to talk with your healthcare provider about why they keep happening.
Recurring UTIs can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but there are ways to reduce your risk and treatments that can help.
When is a UTI considered recurring?
A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection, most often in the bladder. Common symptoms include:
- A burning or painful feeling when urinating
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Passing small amounts of urine at a time
- Pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Urine that appears cloudy, bloody or has a strong odor
Generally, UTIs are considered recurrent if you have two or more infections within six months or three or more within a year. If this happens, your provider may want to look beyond treating each infection individually and determine whether something is making you more likely to develop them.
Why do some women get UTIs more often?
Women are more prone to UTIs in part because their urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, is shorter than it is in men. This makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
Several factors can make recurring infections more likely. Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, and certain forms of birth control, including spermicides, may increase UTI risk. Hormonal changes also matter. After menopause, lower estrogen levels can cause changes in the urinary and vaginal tissues and bacteria, making UTIs more common.
Other health issues may play a role, too. Kidney or bladder stones, difficulty fully emptying the bladder and urinary tract abnormalities can sometimes contribute to repeated infections.
What can you do to help prevent UTIs?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent every UTI, but a few everyday habits may help lower your risk:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Avoid regularly holding your urine for long periods
- Urinate after sexual activity
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
- Avoid douches, deodorant sprays and other potentially irritating products around the genital area
When recurring symptoms need a closer look
If you’re experiencing UTI symptoms, a urine test can help confirm a diagnosis and may identify which antibiotic is most likely to treat the infection. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider may recommend additional testing to look for an underlying problem.
For frequent UTIs, preventive options may include a low-dose antibiotic for a period of time or taking an antibiotic after sexual activity. If you have gone through menopause and experience recurring UTIs, your provider may also discuss whether vaginal estrogen could be appropriate for you.
Vaginal estrogen is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for preventing recurring UTIs in women experiencing perimenopause or postmenopause. This treatment helps restore vaginal and urinary tissues and reduces the likelihood of future UTIs. Unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy, low-dose vaginal estrogen acts primarily on local tissues, with minimal absorption into the bloodstream. It is considered safe for most women, including many with a history of breast cancer, although these patients should discuss treatment with their healthcare team.
Contact a healthcare provider promptly if UTI symptoms are accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or pain in your back or side.
If you experience frequent UTIs or other urinary symptoms, WMCHealth’s women’s health specialists can help evaluate your symptoms and recommend treatment options that fit your needs.