ABC.NET.AU – Around one in two women and one in 20 men will get a UTI in their lifetime.
Women can access medication for uncomplicated UTIs through some pharmacies across Australia.
But about one in five women will experience recurrent UTIs, meaning two or more infections in six months, or three or more infections in a year.
What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that can affect your bladder, urethra and kidneys
Payam Nikpoor, a gynaecologist and urogynaecologist practising in Naarm/Melbourne, says the impacts of recurrent UTIs can be far-reaching.
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They can also become persistent or chronic, and Dr Nikpoor says “sometimes the infection never really clears up and goes away”.
Those affected can “lose out in social life, personal life, relationships, [and] professional life … especially when it becomes chronic and recurrent”.
Treatment options
Gynaecologist Pav Nanayakkara from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is based in Naarm/Melbourne and says women and their doctors should “exclude causes that may be contributing to recurrent infections” before considering the vaccine.
She says by sending a urine sample off to be tested, you first ensure you’re prescribing the right antibiotic.
Dr Nanayakkara says the anatomy of the urinary tract can also be a factor.
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Oral spray vaccine shows promise for preventing UTIs
Many women have a reduced quality of life due to recurring urinary tract infections, but several vaccines and treatments are being trialled that may help prevent the debilitating condition.
There’s also “what we call atrophy or thinning of the vaginal tissues and so topical oestrogen might be the right treatment in that context”.
While conditions like “painful bladder syndrome, or interstitial cystitis, could make people feel like they have a UTI when there’s not actually one there” …