By Erika Poderis, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner, Virtua Female Pelvic Medicine

If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you can instantly recall it: the intense feeling that you need to pee but just can’t. And then when you do, it burns, and you’re SO uncomfortable. You call the doctor and anxiously count the hours until the antibiotic starts to take effect.

UTIs are a common and inconvenient issue for many women. Whether you experience chronic UTIs (infections that don’t go away with treatment) or recurrent UTIs (infections that happen often), there are some things you can do to prevent them. 

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. You may be at an increased risk for UTIs if you have any of the following:

• Vaginal dryness
• A medical condition that reduces the flow of urine, such as kidney stones
• Anatomical issues
• Conditions that compromise your immune system, including diabetes, pregnancy or multiple sclerosis
• Vesicoureteral reflux, which allows urine to flow backward from the bladder into the kidneys 

When should I seek treatment for a UTI?

UTI symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, or a strong urge to urinate without being able to empty your bladder. If you experience these symptoms or see blood in your urine, contact your health care provider immediately.

How are UTIs treated? 

Your treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, including the frequency of your UTIs, your age, and underlying causes. Your provider will get a urine culture to determine the type of bacteria causing your infection.

For a simple UTI, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic. It’s essential to follow the dosing instructions and complete the entire course of medication. If you only experience UTIs after sex, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to take preventatively after intercourse. 

If you have frequent, recurring UTIs that persist even after antibiotic treatment, consider taking a daily probiotic with 50 billion live lactobacillus cultures. Probiotics help introduce beneficial bacteria while combating harmful bacteria, effectively reducing UTI frequency and the risk of drug-resistant bacteria. Postmenopausal women may benefit from vaginal estrogen treatments and the use of cranberry pills or D-mannose to help prevent UTIs.

If you have recurrent UTIs or infections that don’t respond to treatment, it’s critical to discuss it with your doctor. Additional testing might be necessary to identify underlying issues like kidney or bladder stones, urinary incontinence, immune system deficiencies, family history, or anatomical problems.

Should all UTIs be treated?

The short answer is—not necessarily. Some women have bacteria in their urine but don’t experience UTI symptoms, particularly older women. This can lead to unnecessary treatments that fail to eliminate the bacteria while increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance. Recent studies recommend that doctors not treat a UTI unless symptoms are present.

How can I prevent UTIs?

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent UTIs, maintaining a robust immune system can help you avoid infections. Aim to live a healthy lifestyle, get plenty of sleep, and eat a balanced diet.

Other prevention strategies include:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Eating a diet rich in vitamin C
• Taking probiotics to introduce beneficial bacteria and fight harmful bacteria
• Taking a cranberry pill (drinking cranberry juice isn’t effective)
• Emptying your bladder frequently and completely
• Using gentle antibacterial soap when washing your bottom
• Avoiding hygiene practices that could cause irritation
• Avoiding spermicidal jelly use, which has been linked to UTIs
• Urinating after sex to flush bacteria away 

Although it can take time to identify the causes of chronic and recurrent UTIs, many prevention and treatment options are available. Your health care provider can guide you in determining the best approach.

Make an appointment with an expert

• Call a Virtua women's health navigator at 844-896-6367 to find a provider who meets your needs. 
• Take a pelvic floor assessment to see if you might benefit from seeing a female pelvic medicine specialist.