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Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Urinary Infection
Question: I am 57 yrs. old and I get uti's at least 2 or 3 times a month is this normal?
Brief Answer:
No, not normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
No, that's not normal. Something is going on that is not normal that is causing you to get so many UTIs. Here are my thoughts on things to consider:
1. Postmenopausal women can have an increased risk of getting UTIs due to atrophic urethritis from lack of estrogen. The genitourinary tissues can become weaker and more prone to infection. Treatment for this is prescription estrogen cream such as Esterace, applied topically or in the vagina, on a regular basis. Less of the estrogen is absorbed into your whole system if it is applied just to the outside or vagina, compared with taking a pill.
2. Are you sure that these are UTIs (have they been confirmed with urine culture?) or could they be something else? I recommend making sure your urine samples are sent for culture.
3. They may not be separate UTIs, but recurring from previous UTIs being only partially treated, and continuing to have some degree of bacteria in your urine. In addition to the culture, make sure the test is called "culture and sensitivity" which will test which antibiotics the bacteria is sensitive too.
4. If you seem to get UTIs following intercourse, make sure that after having sex, you get in the shower and (gently) wash off semen and other skin microorganisms before there is irritation from these and an infection sets up. I know this sounds a bit rude to your partner, but it can help you.
5. Consider taking cranberry powder capsules daily.
6. If none of this helps, it is time to see a urologist who may order imaging studies of your urinary tract to help sort out what the problem is.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
No, not normal.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
No, that's not normal. Something is going on that is not normal that is causing you to get so many UTIs. Here are my thoughts on things to consider:
1. Postmenopausal women can have an increased risk of getting UTIs due to atrophic urethritis from lack of estrogen. The genitourinary tissues can become weaker and more prone to infection. Treatment for this is prescription estrogen cream such as Esterace, applied topically or in the vagina, on a regular basis. Less of the estrogen is absorbed into your whole system if it is applied just to the outside or vagina, compared with taking a pill.
2. Are you sure that these are UTIs (have they been confirmed with urine culture?) or could they be something else? I recommend making sure your urine samples are sent for culture.
3. They may not be separate UTIs, but recurring from previous UTIs being only partially treated, and continuing to have some degree of bacteria in your urine. In addition to the culture, make sure the test is called "culture and sensitivity" which will test which antibiotics the bacteria is sensitive too.
4. If you seem to get UTIs following intercourse, make sure that after having sex, you get in the shower and (gently) wash off semen and other skin microorganisms before there is irritation from these and an infection sets up. I know this sounds a bit rude to your partner, but it can help you.
5. Consider taking cranberry powder capsules daily.
6. If none of this helps, it is time to see a urologist who may order imaging studies of your urinary tract to help sort out what the problem is.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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