e. coli bacteria

Recurring UTIs: The Infection We Keep Secretly Getting

Want to pee all the time, or been told to drink cranberry juice because it burns when you pee? If so, you might have experience with urinary tract infections or UTIs. UTIs happen when certain types of bacteria get into part of your urinary tract, like your bladder, and create an infection. Researchers estimate that 60% of women and 10% of men will get a UTI in their lifetime.  Typically, people are told to avoid UTIs by bettering their personal hygiene—peeing before and after sex, wiping properly, ceasing douching—and drinking more water. Because of this, many people may feel ashamed or embarrassed when they get a UTI, thinking it was their fault. But about one in four women experience recurring UTIs, which is defined as having at least two infections in six months or three in a year. Even when these patients do everything right, they still get infections. Read more.

Source: NPR, September 6, 2023

Bacteria

Vaginal Estrogen Effective Against Recurrent UTIs

According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vaginal estrogen is effective in preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women with hypoestrogenism. Over 60% of women are impacted by UTIs in their lives, costing over $2 billion per year in the United States. Breakthrough infections even while on active antibiotic suppression are reported in 70% to 80% of recurrent UTI cases. Read more.

Source: Contemporary OB/GYN, August 10, 2023