Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Recurrent, or chronic, urinary tract infections are diagnosed when a person has at least two separate infections within a period of six months, or have at least three infections each year. Many times, these recurrent urinary tract infections are caused by different bacteria’s, so the first infection may have been caused by different bacteria than the next infection.

Both males and females can be affected by chronic urinary tract infections, though it is more common in women. The main and most noticeable symptoms of a UTI include the urge to urinate frequently, urination without passing more than a few drops and burning during urination. Some patients will run fevers and suffer from nausea as well.

Treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections is generally a long term antibiotic treatment. When treated with antibiotics for long periods, they are given in low doses; just enough to prevent more infections from setting in.

In addition to the antibiotic treatment, patients who suffer with chronic UTI’s should also drink plenty of water each day and opt for showers instead of baths. It is also recommended that cranberry juice be drank on a daily basis as this helps to prevent the bacteria growth that causes urinary tract infections.