Why Do I Get Recurring UTIs?

With their unmistakable symptoms — a burning sensation during urination and a frequent urge to urinate — urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common reasons patients visit Palm Desert Urgent Care in Palm Desert, CA. Our patients have plenty of company, too.

Approximately 60% of women will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime, and roughly 20% to 30% of those women will face a repeat infection within six months.

At Desert Urgent Care, Manzoor Kazi, MD, focuses on identifying why your body is susceptible to frequent UTIs rather than just treating the immediate pain.

Here’s what Dr. Kazi tells patients who suffer recurrent UTIs.

Common causes of repeat infections

When infections keep coming back, it is usually because bacteria like E. coli have successfully colonized the urinary tract. Women are more prone to these infections because their urethras are shorter, allowing bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. 

Lifestyle habits can also be a culprit. Frequent sexual activity, the use of certain types of birth control like spermicides, and even changes in your hydration levels can trigger a new episode. Dr. Kazi, MD, works with patients to examine their daily habits and identify simple changes that make a big difference.

Who is at the most significant risk?

Postmenopausal women are at significant risk because the loss of estrogen changes the natural bacteria in the vagina that usually protect against infection. 

Patients with diabetes are also more vulnerable because high blood sugar can weaken the immune system and make the urine more attractive to bacteria. 

Men with an enlarged prostate and anyone with a history of kidney stones are at a higher risk, too. That’s because those conditions can block urine flow and allow bacteria to grow. 

Underlying health and anatomical factors

Sometimes, the reason for frequent UTIs isn't just lifestyle but how your body is built. Dr. Kazi evaluates patients for physical blockages like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, which can trap urine in the bladder. If urine stays in the bladder too long, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. 

Additionally, health conditions that cause nerve damage around the bladder can prevent it from emptying fully. 

How we manage and prevent future UTIs

Treating a recurring infection requires more than a standard round of antibiotics. Dr. Kazi first determines which bacteria are causing your symptoms to ensure the medicine is effective. To break the cycle of infection, he recommends daily low-dose antibiotics for a period or specific prevention strategies to use after certain activities. 

Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to flush bacteria out of your system before an infection starts. If you are tired of the discomfort and frequency of UTIs, Call Palm Desert Urgent Care or book an appointment through our online portal today.