Our Houston urologists expertly diagnose and treat frequent UTIs in women

Most women have had a urinary tract infection, but some women have them over and over again. Women who have UTIs two or more times in six months, or three or more times a year, are dealing with recurring infections. Our Houston UTI specialists expertly diagnose and treat frequent UTIs in women. They help patients get relief from annoying and painful symptoms, such as the urgent need to urinate or pain and burning during urination.

What causes repeat UTIs?

Why do some women get infections so often? Certain factors may increase a woman’s risk of developing repeat infections.

• Giving birth to several children
• Having diabetes
• Having previous UTIs
• Being obese
• Conditions that decrease mobility
• Menopause
• Having an initial UTI at a young age
• Using diaphragms or spermicides

Symptoms include an urgent need to urinate

Frequent UTIs in women cause several symptoms. Women may have one or more of the following problems.

• Feeling the urgent need to urinate
• Frequent urination
• Experiencing burning and pain while urinating
• Needing to go at night
• Foul-smelling urine that may be cloudy or have traces of blood
• Back pain
• Lower abdominal pain

If the bacteria spread to the kidneys, women may have chills, fever or fatigue, or experience nausea or vomiting. Elderly women may become confused. Women with these serious symptoms should seek immediate medical care.

Diagnosing and treating frequent UTIs in women

Our urologists perform a thorough physical examination to diagnose repeat UTIs. They look for issues that may cause the problem. They also order lab work, including urinalysis, urine cultures and imaging.

Once they have diagnosed the problem, they determine the best possible treatment. Treatment may involve solving problems that cause infection, such as lack of vaginal estrogen after menopause. In that case, women may need vaginal estrogen therapy. Our urologists may also recommend low-dose, long-term antibiotics, or short-term antibiotics to clear up the infection. We also talk to patients about how to prevent infections in the future.

Prevention strategies

Our Houston UTI specialists recommend the following actions to help prevent frequent UTIs in women.

• Wipe from front to back to prevent spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the vaginal area.
• Drink lots of water and other fluids to flush out bad bacteria.
• Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse.
• Avoid douches, feminine sprays and deodorants, diaphragms, and spermicides.
• Wear 100% cotton, white underwear.

Women who are dealing with the pain and irritation of recurring UTIs should contact us for an appointment. Frequent UTIs in women can be treated, so we urge you to reach out for an appointment with our Houston UTI specialists to take control of the problem.