5 Causes of Chronic UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, affecting more than half of all women at some point in their lives. Furthermore, these infections account for almost 25% of bacterial infections in women. But the fact that you have plenty of company won’t make the pain or burning any easier to deal with. 

If you have a UTI or think your condition is chronic, the urogynecologists at Southeast Urogyn can help. Their doctors are UTI specialists, and they can give you a thorough exam and get to the root cause of your UTIs.

Chronic UTIs

Some women experience frequent UTIs. When you have two or more diagnosed infections within a six-month period, your UTI condition may be considered chronic. Typically, the same bacteria that started the first infection is responsible for starting the second infection, either through reinfection or because an earlier infection didn’t respond to treatment.

Though UTIs are common, treatment remains important, since there can be serious complications. If the infection reaches your kidneys, this can lead to kidney damage and sepsis. If you’re pregnant, the infection can lead to a premature birth.

5 causes of chronic UTIs

E. coli

Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, normally reside in your intestines. Most strains are harmless, but a few can cause issues. Even mild strains can cause UTIs when introduced into the urinary tract. This can happen in several ways. Even tiny amounts of fecal matter can cause a UTI, so toilet backsplash or improper wiping can transfer E. coli to the urethra. Sexual intercourse may also transfer the bacteria, particularly when vaginal and anal sex are alternated.

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can lead to UTIs. After the infection is transmitted, a UTI can be a side effect.

Menopause

Your ovaries become inactive after menopause, greatly reducing the amount of estrogen produced by your body. Since estrogen drives many of the systems in your body, a lower amount can create changes in your genitourinary system. These changes can make you more susceptible to UTIs.

Hygiene products

Hormonal changes aren’t the only thing that can upset the balance of bacteria in and around your urinary tract. Regular use of vaginal douches, contraceptive spermicides, and other products can alter the levels of vaginal bacteria. If more harmful bacteria proliferate after such changes, then your chances of developing a UTI can increase.

Medications

Though antibiotics are typically used to treat UTIs, some oral antibiotics taken for other conditions can alter the bacteria balance of your urinary tract. It’s also possible that common antibiotics given for a UTI may not clear up the infection entirely, particularly if not taken as directed for the full course of treatment. This could allow an infection to reassert itself after the drug course is over.

If you’re tired of suffering from UTIs, book an appointment over the phone with Southeast Urogyn today. Your health specialist will give you a thorough examination and put you on the path to good health.