Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women

ABSTRACT

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections affecting women. One in four of these women will develop a recurrence. Recurrent UTIs are common among otherwise healthy women with anatomically and physiologically normal urinary tracts. These conditions have a significant effect on their quality of life and have a considerable economic impact due to health care costs. This article will review risk factors predisposing pre- and postmenopausal women to recurrent UTIs, and discuss antimicrobial prophylaxis and other non-antimicrobial preventive measures, including modification of behavioral factors, estrogen, and cranberry products.