Condition guide
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Understand recurrent UTI symptoms, urine testing, prevention and when specialist assessment may be appropriate.
In brief
What is recurrent urinary tract infections?
Recurrent urinary tract infection generally means two infections within six months or three within twelve months. Similar symptoms can also occur without bacterial infection, so confirming the pattern and reviewing urine culture results are important.
This page provides general education, not a diagnosis or personalised treatment plan. Assessment and treatment are tailored to your health, findings and preferences.
Symptoms people may notice
- Repeated burning or pain when passing urine
- Urgency, frequency or lower abdominal discomfort
- Episodes confirmed by urine testing
- Symptoms that return soon after treatment
How assessment may proceed
- Review of symptoms, timing, cultures and antibiotic exposure
- Assessment for vaginal, bladder-emptying or pelvic-floor contributors
- Ultrasound, bladder-emptying measurement or cystoscopy in selected cases
- Referral when the cause is unclear, infections involve the kidneys or features are atypical
Conservative options
- Adequate hydration and regular bladder emptying
- Vaginal oestrogen for suitable postmenopausal patients
- Review of triggers and non-antibiotic options with realistic evidence discussion
- Antibiotic prevention strategies only after individual clinical review
Procedures and surgery
- Cystoscopy when there is a clinical reason to inspect the bladder
- Imaging when stones, obstruction or structural causes are suspected
- A prevention plan that supports responsible antibiotic use
When to seek urgent care
- Fever, rigors, flank or back pain
- Vomiting, confusion or feeling acutely unwell
- Visible blood in the urine
- Symptoms during pregnancy or inability to pass urine
Related care
Relevant procedure guides
Questions
Common questions about recurrent utis
Clinical references
Consultation
