Why Do I Keep Getting UTIs?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common infection you can get with 8 million people seeing a doctor for a UTI every year. So, if you’ve found yourself with a UTI, don’t fret. They’re common, easy to treat, and aren’t serious in most cases. 

If you find yourself getting UTIs often, it can feel frustrating and you may wonder if you’re doing something wrong. However, some people are simply more prone to chronic or recurring UTIs, which can be comforting and discouraging at the same time.

At San Feliz Urgent Care in Glendale, California, our urgent care team understands that needing to get constant treatment for UTIs can start to take a toll on your life. That’s why we review what puts you at risk for repeat infections and what steps you can take to lower that risk. 

Common risk factors for recurrent UTIs

Anything that irritates your urinary tract or affects your ability to empty your bladder can lead to a UTI. Having diabetes or kidney stones or being pregnant are just some of the things that can raise your risk of getting UTIs more often. However, the top three risk factors include:

Gender

Women are far more likely to develop UTIs in general than men. Unfortunately, 25-30% of women who’ve had a UTI report getting another one within six months. This is mostly due to anatomy. Your urethra is very close to your vagina and anus which both naturally hold bacteria that can infect your urinary tract. 

Lifestyle choices

Not emptying your bladder before and after sex along with the use of spermicides and diaphragms during sex can all increase your risk of chronic UTIs. Using products that change the bacterial makeup of your vagina, such as douches, can also put you at risk for repeat infections. 

Menopause

After menopause, a decline in estrogen levels causes a change in the bacterial makeup of your vagina, putting you at a larger risk for more UTIs. 

How to lower your risk of frequent UTIs

While you may not be able to prevent getting a UTI altogether, some things you can do to lower your risk of getting them so frequently include:

• Drink lots of water to flush out bacteria
• Always wipe front to back after using the bathroom
• Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid very tight-fitting pants
• Clean your genitals and empty your bladder before and after sex
• Avoid using spermicide as a birth control method

If you develop a UTI, don’t delay seeking treatment from our San Feliz Urgent Care team. Early treatment mitigates your risk of serious complications and urinary tract damage. 

For expert-level UTI treatment, schedule an appointment with us by calling our office at 818-296-0201 or using our online booking feature today.