Why Do I Have UTIs So Frequently?

Sometimes, medical providers treat frequently recurring UTIs like a hygiene problem. But this isn’t always the case. If you have UTIs often, you may be dealing with another condition entirely.

UTIs (or urinary tract infections) affect many people, and for some, this condition continues to return over and over again. Ten percent of women will experience a UTI yearly, and if you have recurring UTIs, you know how frustrating this situation can be. But why does this happen, and what can you do about it?

At Injury and Health Urgent Care, we offer treatments for UTIs as well as diagnostic tests and other helpful options for those who might have an underlying issue. Melissa Kempf, MD, and Shannon Wait, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, are focused on helping patients be as healthy and happy as possible in all circumstances, and we strive to provide this kind of care to all.

The common causes of UTIs

UTIs are common occurrences, and women are more likely to get them than men. This is because the urethra isn’t as long in the female body as it is in the male body, meaning bacteria from outside can more easily enter the urethra and the bladder afterward.

Bacteria can enter the urethra as a result of sexual activity, after a bowel movement, or another way. Whatever the case, once you realize you have a UTI, you can be treated with antibiotics and the issue should clear up. But what if it keeps happening?

Why you might be experiencing frequent UTIs

Certain medical conditions

Some medical conditions might make you more susceptible to UTIs than others. These conditions can include urinary or bowel incontinence, urinary fistulas, kidney stones, diabetes, and certain anatomical differences like narrowed urethras or enlarged prostates. Pregnant individuals also have an increased risk of UTIs.

Too much use of antibiotics

Antibiotics are the go-to treatment for UTIs. However, some studies have shown that these medications can actually reduce the helpful microbiomes in the gut, which can lead to inflammation, and eventually, an increased risk of UTIs. Especially if you have UTIs often, and have been treated over and over for them, you might want to consider this possibility.

Sexual intercourse

Being sexually active can increase your likelihood of experiencing a UTI. This is because sex introduces more bacteria into the body. Using spermicide can also increase your risk of developing a UTI because it kills Lactobacilli, which is good bacteria in the vagina that helps avoid an infection.

Menopause

Women are again at an increased risk of experiencing UTIs when they go through menopause. The bladder becomes harder to empty completely, and Lactobacilli, which are found naturally in the vagina, begin to decrease. This all makes it much easier to contract a UTI.

How to minimize the likelihood of getting a UTI

People sometimes feel very self-conscious when they get frequent UTIs because they’re told they aren’t taking proper care of their hygiene. But as we’ve clearly seen, this isn’t the only reason UTIs might recur. If you get frequent UTIs, here are some ways to manage the situation.

See a doctor for a diagnosis. There may be something else going on that’s affecting your body and causing you to get so many UTIs, and you should know about it.
Drink lots of water. Yes, cranberry juice is good too, but nothing beats good, old-fashioned hydration.
Wear loose-fitting pants for a while, especially if you think tight clothing may have been contributing to the issue.
Try urinating after intercourse, and use a different type of birth control besides spermicide.
Make sure you urinate when you have the urge; don’t hold your pee! And when you do, always try to empty your bladder fully.

UTIs happen… but you can do something

It’s common, especially for women, to experience UTIs throughout their lives, but you shouldn’t have to deal with them all the time. And, in many cases, there are issues that may be causing them to happen more frequently, issues you can manage with the help of your provider.

Call our San Antonio, Texas, office today at 210-879-3521. You can also visit us online to make an appointment at your convenience. Don’t wait; reach out and get help today for your overall health and wellness!