For most people, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a short and unpleasant episode. For others, it keeps coming back, and treating it isn't always straightforward.
A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary system, causing pain, urgency and frequent bathroom trips. Recurrent UTIs are generally defined as two or more infections within six months, or three or more within a year.
Who's more at risk?
- People going through menopause, due to changes in vaginal tissue and reduced natural protection.
- People using diaphragms or spermicidal condoms for contraception.
- Anyone with an abnormality in the urinary tract, or a recent catheter.
- People with diabetes, due to a reduced ability to fight infection.
Research suggests up to 60% of women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and around 25% will have a recurrence within six months. Between 20 and 30% of UTIs don't respond to standard first-line antibiotics.
Why chronic UTIs are hard to treat
Some bacteria can shelter inside the bladder wall in protective clusters called biofilms, largely out of reach of standard antibiotics. This, combined with rising antibiotic resistance, is why some infections need a longer or more targeted course of treatment, guided by proper diagnostic testing rather than guesswork.
Getting the right antibiotic for the specific bacteria involved, early, meaningfully lowers the chance of an infection becoming recurrent.
What may help
For some post-menopausal women, topical oestrogen therapy has shown promise in reducing recurrence by restoring the vaginal and urinary tract environment. Simple habits like adequate water intake and good hygiene practices are also commonly recommended. Researchers are also exploring UTI vaccines, phage therapy and targeted probiotics, though these remain areas of active research rather than mainstream treatment.
If you think you have a UTI right now, our pharmacists can assess uncomplicated cases and prescribe treatment on the spot, often without needing a GP visit. Find out if you're eligible.
