Body + Mind is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through some of the links on our site.
Recurrent UTIs can be miserable and hard to manage. They are usually caused by reinfection from a bacterial source. However, it’s important to distinguish between recurrence and a single, persistent, untreated infection. Here’s what you need to know about why you keep getting UTIs, what the common causes and risk factors are, and what you can do about it.
Medically, someone is considered to have recurrent urinary tract infections — also called persistent or chronic UTIs — if they have more than two UTIs in six months or more than three in a single year.
If your infections have come very close together, it’s possible that it’s one single infection that has lingered. This can easily happen because UTI symptoms can sometimes feel like they are going away, only to then roar back into life a few days or weeks later.
That’s one of the reasons it’s vital to keep taking antibiotics for the full course, even if you feel you are better. The underlying infection may still be present, so always finish the course completely.
There are several reasons why you may keep getting UTIs, some of which are within your control and some aren’t.
Most urinary tract infections are bacterial, with 75% caused by E. coli and the second most common being K. pneumonia, which accounts for 6% to 7% of infections. However, there are multiple other possible bacterial sources. If the treatment you are prescribed does not target the right bacteria, it will not work, and the infection will remain.
Sometimes, bacteria band together into a kind of colony, producing protective substances that shield them from antibiotics and from your body’s immune system. This “biofilm” can make bacteria hide in plain sight, even producing negative results on a UTI test. Because biofilms can contain more than one type of bacteria, antibiotics targeting one type may not clear the entire infection.
Several common lifestyle factors may be contributing to your recurring infections. For example, sexual activity can increase the chances of infection. Urinating after sex can help to flush away any such bacteria before they can take hold. Some types of contraceptives, including spermicides and diaphragms, are also known to increase the likelihood of urinary tract infections.
Chronic stress and anxiety can also weaken your immune system, making it less able to fight off recurring UTIs. If you have a busy lifestyle and often find yourself holding off needing to pee, that can also irritate the bladder and make an infection more likely.
The most common confusion is between a urinary tract infection and interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome. These two things are very easily confused, but IC is a chronic condition, not an infection.
| Factor | Typical UTI | Interstitial Cystitis |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Sensation | Burning, stinging, sharp pain | Aching, pressure, discomfort |
| Primary Cause | Bacterial Infection | Unknown, but possibly allergy, vascular disease or defects in the bladder lining |
| Urgency | Strong, sudden need to urinate | Chronic, persistent urgency |
| Pain Location | Urethra, lower abdomen | Pelvic region, bladder |
| Effect of Antibiotics | Symptoms improve or resolve | No effect |
If you keep getting what you believe are UTIs, speak to your doctor. They will investigate for interstitial cystitis if antibiotics are not helping you.
While UTIs are extremely common — 50% of women will experience at least one during their lifetime — persistent infections are very debilitating, both physically and emotionally. You don’t have to struggle alone. A combination of self-help and medical help can smash the cycle.
Simple daily habits can make a difference.
There is evidence to suggest that D-Mannose can be as effective as antibiotics for treating uncomplicated UTIs. It is a type of sugar, and it’s thought that this supplement may help prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.
Probiotics can help prevent recurrent UTIs by restoring the balance of good bacteria in the body, particularly in the urinary tract and vagina. Many people swear by cranberry juice or cranberry extract, though the scientific evidence is mixed.
If you speak to your doctor about recurring UTIs, they will likely collect a urine sample to perform a urine culture. This works by adding urine to a substance that promotes bacterial growth. This will determine exactly which kind of bacteria is present. Your physician can then prescribe the most appropriate type of antibiotic. This alone can resolve the problem if your previous antibiotics were not targeting the right microbes.
For severe cases, you might be prescribed low-dose antibiotics to take on an ongoing basis to help prevent recurring infections. If you are menopausal, the doctor might also suggest vaginal estrogen cream, because lower estrogen levels can be a risk factor for UTIs.
If no infection is found, your doctor will investigate other alternatives, such as IC.
UTIs are not contagious. However, sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urethra. To minimize this, always pee as soon as possible after sex.
Some women do notice a pattern that corresponds to their menstrual cycle. In the first half of your cycle, estrogen levels are high, so UTIs may be less likely. In the second half, you may be more susceptible.
Not always, but it’s important that you get the right one. This will require a urine culture, not just a simple urine dipstick test.
If you keep getting UTIs, reach out to your doctor. There can be many causes, from the wrong antibiotics to an existing infection that just won’t go. Sometimes, easy-to-fix lifestyle habits can be the cause. You don’t have to deal with the pain and inconvenience alone, so schedule an appointment and start getting your health and well-being back.
Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter, and at any time you may unsubscribe. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.
