Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections in humans. Women are disproportionately affected — approximately 50 to 60% will have a UTI at some point. But UTIs in men, while less common, are more likely to indicate an underlying urological problem and always warrant medical evaluation.
What Causes UTIs?
UTIs occur when bacteria — most commonly E. coli — enter the urethra and multiply in the urinary tract. The infection can remain in the bladder (cystitis) or travel up to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), which is more serious and can cause fever, chills, back pain, nausea, and vomiting.
The Problem of Recurrent UTIs
Recurrent UTIs — two or more infections in six months or three or more in a year — affect approximately 25% of women who have had a UTI. In his office, Dr. Alfred Shtainer performs rapid in-office STI/UTI testing that provides results within 15 minutes, allowing for immediate, targeted antibiotic treatment in a single visit.
Prevention Strategies
Drinking plenty of water dilutes urine and flushes bacteria from the urinary tract. For postmenopausal women, topical vaginal estrogen has been shown to significantly reduce recurrent UTIs. For women with recurrent UTIs, low-dose prophylactic antibiotics or post-coital antibiotics may be prescribed. D-mannose and cranberry products have some supportive evidence for prevention.
When to See a Urologist
Any UTI in a man, any UTI with fever, UTIs in children, and recurrent UTIs in women all warrant urological evaluation. Don’t simply cycle through antibiotics without understanding why infections keep recurring.