1. Take the UTI Quiz
2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Slideshow Pictures
3. Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures

In this Article

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) introduction
• What are the causes of UTI?
• Who is at risk for UTIs?
• What about recurrent urinary tract infections?
• What about UTIs and pregnancy?
• What are UTI symptoms and signs?
• How is a UTI diagnosed?
• What are UTI home remedies and treatment?
• What are the treatment options for recurrent UTIs in women?
• How are infections in pregnancy treated?
• What are UTI complications and their treatment?
• What about UTIs in men?
• Is there a vaccine to prevent recurrent UTIs?
• Where can I get more information about UTIs?
• Urinary Tract Infection in Adults At A Glance

Recurrent infections in women

Women who have had three UTIs are likely to continue having them. Four out of five such women get another within 18 months of the last UTI. Many women have them even more often. A woman who has frequent recurrences (three or more a year) can ask her doctor about one of the following treatment options:

• Take low doses of an antibiotic such as TMP/SMZ or nitrofurantoin daily for 6 months or longer. If taken at bedtime, the drug remains in the bladder longer and may be more effective. NIH-supported research at the University of Washington has shown this therapy to be effective without causing serious side effects.



• Take a single dose of an antibiotic after sexual intercourse.



• Take a short course (1 or 2 days) of antibiotics when symptoms appear.

Dipsticks that change color when an infection is present are now available without a prescription. The strips detect nitrite, which is formed when bacteria change nitrate in the urine to nitrite. The test can detect about 90 percent of UTIs when used with the first morning urine specimen and may be useful for women who have recurrent infections.

Doctors suggest some additional steps that a woman can take on her own to avoid an infection:

• Drink plenty of water every day.



• Urinate when you feel the need; don't resist the urge to urinate.



• Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.



• Take showers instead of tub baths.



• Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse.



• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches, which may irritate the urethra.

Some doctors suggest drinking cranberry juice.