Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can return every few months in some women. It’s primarily because of the female anatomy. Other contributing factors include sexual intercourse, post-menopausal hormonal changes, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and pregnancy.
Why Does a UTI Keep Coming Back?
Have you ever experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI)? The frequent urge to use the restroom yet passing only a little urine every time, foul-smelling urine, or blood in the urine with lower abdominal discomfort are all common symptoms of a UTI.
The infection can be managed with antibiotics. While a single episode of UTI may not be concerning, recurrent infections require a visit to the urologist at WIINS Hospital in Kolhapur. Frequent UTIs occur due to an underlying condition; identifying which is the first step in determining an appropriate treatment.
What’s a Recurrent UTI?
UTI occurs when bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract travel from the anus to the urethra. Research shows that 20-30% of women who have had a UTI are likely to get it again within six months.
A urologist calls it recurrent when you have had at least two UTIs in six months or three UTIs in a year. In some cases, the bacteria that were not eliminated properly during treatment can cause another episode of a UTI infection. Others might experience a new infection.
What Causes Recurrent UTI?
Let’s understand the common reasons why UTIs can keep returning.
Female Anatomy
Women have a shorter urethra, about 4 centimeters. So, anatomically, their bladder is closer to the outside environment. Since the bacteria have only a short distance to travel to reach the urinary tract, the infection becomes more common in women than men.
In fact, 50% of all women are likely to experience a UTI at some point in their lives, among whom many have repeat infections.
Sexual Intercourse Can Increase the Risk
Sexual activity can push the bacteria hiding in the anus or vagina into the urethra, from where it can travel toward the bladder and multiply. Sex-related UTIs, also called post-coital UTIs, show symptoms within 24-48 hours of intimacy.
Post Menopausal UTI
Some women who have never had a UTI in their reproductive years might experience frequent UTIs after menopause. Estrogen (a hormone that maintains the vaginal lining and encourages the growth of healthy bacteria) drops drastically as you near menopause.
This decline decreases Lactobacillus bacteria, making infections more likely. Besides, the urethral tissue becomes thinner and more vulnerable to bacterial invasion.
Incomplete Bladder Emptying
Your bladder flushes bad bacteria out of your body through urine. When urine sits in the bladder for long periods, it creates an ideal environment for the bacteria to thrive and multiply.
In men, an enlarged prostate can lead to incomplete bladder emptying, while neurological conditions, weakened bladder muscles, and pelvic organ prolapse can affect women’s ability to empty their bladder.
Pregnancy
Increased progesterone secretion in early pregnancy can relax smooth muscles, including those of your urinary tract. As a result, urine moves slowly down from the kidneys to the bladder, which means it sits in your urinary tract for longer than usual.
This can create a breeding ground for bacteria. That’s why doctors conduct urine tests regularly during pregnancy even if you have no symptoms. Experts at WIINS Hospital believe that early UTI treatment in Kolhapur is essential during pregnancy to prevent pregnancy complications.
