Abstract

RECURRENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN THE FEMALE

*Sameerah Sadiq Abdulsamad and Sahar Hatem Manhal

Abstract

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) have a significant effect on the quality of life of women affected by them. Continuous daily antibacterial prophylaxis (with trimethoprim 100mg or nitrofurantoin 50–100mg) reduces the risk of UTI in women while the antibacterial is being taken. However, the discomfort of a UTI needs to be weighed against the potential unwanted effects from the antibacterial therapy (vaginal and oral candidiasis, skin rash, nausea) and the risk of bacterial resistance to treatment, taking into account the preference of the woman. For some women, intermittent antibacterial therapy is an alternative: women with recurrent UTIs associated with sexual intercourse who might be offered postcoital antibacterial prophylaxis; and compliant motivated patients in whom recurrent UTIs have been clearly documented who might prefer early acute self-treatment. Other options that are less likely to be effective but may be considered are vaginal estrogens for postmenopausal women or a daily intake of cranberry juice or cranberry product (the optimum daily dose of which has not been established). There is insufficient evidence to recommend lactobacillus probiotics, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin, E. coli immunotherapy, acupuncture, or herbal medicine.

Keywords: Urinary tract infection, female.