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- Short course antibiotics for UTI treatment. >>>>
- Prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent UTI. >>>>
- Long term antibiotics for UTI. >>>>
- Estrogen for recurrent UTI treatment. >>>>
- Other UTI remedies and treatment options. >>>>
- Recurrent UTI treatment specialists. >>>>
The truth is, there are very few conclusive guidelines for recurrent UTI treatment. If you show up at a clinic with yet another UTI, you will most likely receive a short course of antibiotics – the same treatment you would receive if it was your first UTI.
“My doctor just gives me a prescription for Nitrofurantoin each time. I’ve been using the same antibiotic for years. She used to test my urine with one of those strips, but now she trusts that I know I have a UTI. Sometimes she just calls in my script so I don’t need an appointment.” |
This would be all well and good if it cleared up your recurrent UTIs and you didn’t end up back at the doctor or pharmacy for yet another course of antibiotics every few months.
If you take antibiotics each time you get a UTI, but you continue to get UTIs, you should question whether the antibiotic is working at all.
What Happens When A UTI Is Not Properly Treated?
We all know a little something about bacteria. We commonly group bacteria with other pathogens, like viruses, into one big group called germs. And we’re all aware of the role germs play in illness and infections.
You may not know that bacteria can be found as free-floating cells, or clustered together in communities called biofilms. In an uncomplicated urinary tract infection, free-floating bacteria can be detected in the urine with appropriate testing, then treated with the right antibiotic.
Without fast and effective treatment, bacteria in the bladder may attach to the bladder wall and begin to form a biofilm community. Once attached, the bacterial community generates a slimy protective coating that creates a safe environment and shields it from outside influences.
When a biofilm reaches this stage, it is extremely resistant to antibiotics, as well as the body’s natural defence mechanisms. This is where a chronic infection begins. You might refer to it as recurrent UTI or chronic cystitis – the kind of urinary tract infection that just keeps coming back.
Check out our expert video series to learn more about how biofilm contributes to antibiotic resistance in chronic UTI.
“I would have episodes of excruciating pain, blood in my urine and that smell that just tells you that you have a UTI. Then sometimes I would feel practically normal. All the other days in between, I had these niggling symptoms, constantly threatening to blow up at any given moment.” |
Can UTI Treatment Succeed If Biofilms Are Involved?
Biofilms that cause chronic urinary tract infections can be difficult to detect and very hard to treat efficiently. Currently, no guidelines exist to help clinicians and microbiologists detect and treat biofilm infections of the urinary bladder.
“Most UTI guidelines are aimed at management of simple uncomplicated UTI. It can be very difficult to successfully manage complex or recurrent UTI in primary care. If symptoms persist, or where there is diagnostic uncertainty GP’s will need to make a referral for specialist assessment." |
Free-floating bacteria behave very differently to bacteria within a biofilm. Bacteria growing as biofilms are also much more difficult to identify in a urine sample.
No three or five day course of antibiotics designed to treat free-floating bacteria is even going to make a dent on your average biofilm.
As much as we do know about biofilms, the mechanisms behind this phenomenon are still poorly understood. To add another layer of doom, biofilms can be formed by one or multiple species, in complex structures.
If the right treatment is found for one of the species in a biofilm, as its prominence decreases, a second species may rise to take its place.
This doesn’t necessarily mean treatment is impossible, but it can take a few rounds of different targeted antibiotics to get to the bottom of a multiple-bacteria biofilm. Learn more in our dedicated section on chronic UTI and biofilm.
As far as recurrent UTI treatment options, it pays to understand the pros and cons. There are a few to delve into:
- Short course antibiotics
- Prophylactic antibiotics
- Long term antibiotics
- Estrogen therapy
- Other non-antibiotic UTI therapies
Let’s take a look at each in more detail.
Short Course Antibiotics For UTI Treatment
When prescribed an antibiotic for uncomplicated UTI treatment, the course duration will usually be 3, 5 or 7 days (or longer if a kidney infection is suspected), depending on the antibiotic prescribed. Single dose antibiotics, such as Fosfomycin (Monurol), are also prescribed in some cases.
Common short course antibiotics are listed in our UTI antibiotics section, with their potential side effects. And antibiotic treatment for UTI in men is described in our article on male UTI treatment. We won’t go into detail here for the following reason…
Short courses of antibiotics are not designed for recurrent UTI treatment. Particularly not those recurrent UTIs that are caused by an underlying bladder infection that has been around for months or even years.
What Is The Best Antibiotic For UTI?
We see hundreds of questions in forums, along the lines of, “Can I use (insert random antibiotic here) for a UTI?”
It is important to understand that there is no such thing as “the best antibiotic for a UTI.”
There IS such a thing as the best antibiotic for the specific type of bacterium (or multiple bacteria) causing YOUR UTI. Antibiotic susceptibility testing can help identify possible treatment options.
And although some types of bacteria are more common than others when it comes to causing UTIs, it’s really important you realize, the cause of YOUR UTI is unlikely to be the same as the cause of a random online stranger’s UTI.
Just because their UTI treatment was successful, it does not mean the same UTI treatment will work for you.
More importantly, there is increasing doubt over whether short course antibiotics provide any benefit at all in cases of recurrent UTI caused by a persistent, embedded bladder infection.
“I always took antibiotics as soon as I felt UTI symptoms. It would pretty much clear up by the next day. Then I got a UTI when I didn’t have my antibiotics with me. I freaked out, but by the next day it had cleared up anyway. Now I have no idea whether the antibiotics even help.”
Temporary flare ups of UTI symptoms caused by a chronic infection may or may not be relieved faster than when non-antibiotic treatments are used. This means, the antibiotics you rely on for UTI treatment every time you get symptoms may not be making any difference whatsoever.
And if the infection is not cleared, a recurrence is almost certain.
Ineffective antibiotic treatment may also contribute to bacterial resistance, making the UTI even harder to treat.
Prophylactic Antibiotics For Recurrent UTI Treatment
Prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent UTI treatment sounds complicated, but in reality, it just means preventative antibiotic use. That is, you use antibiotics before you feel any UTI symptoms, in the hope of preventing one from happening at all.
We want to state straight up that there is evidence that long-term prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent UTI treatment do not alter the long-term risk of recurrence.
This basically means that patients with recurrent UTIs who take prophylactic antibiotics may experience a decrease in frequency of symptoms during prophylaxis (that is, while they are taking the antibiotics).
But when they stop prophylaxis, their acute episodes return at the same rate as before their UTI treatment started. This was Emma’s experience with prophylactic antibiotics.
Ultimately, long-term prophylactic antibiotics do not appear to alter a patient’s basic susceptibility to infection in most cases.
How Prophylactic Antibiotics Are Taken
There are two main approaches to prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent UTI treatment:
- Postcoital prophylaxis – in sexually active females, a single dose of antibiotic post-sex
- Continuous prophylaxis – a long-term low dose of antibiotic, usually a single dose daily
Postcoital prophylaxis appears to have similar effectiveness but fewer side effects than continuous prophylaxis for preventing recurrent UTI. This is mainly because females on postcoital prophylaxis generally take fewer doses of the antibiotic.
A third type of UTI treatment often grouped with prophylactic options is acute self-treatment. This is a “self-start” approach where a patient is provided prescriptions for antibiotics, and can initiate their own standard 3-day course when they feel UTI symptoms coming on.
Acute self-treatment is recommended for ≤2 episodes of UTIs per year or for females who are not suitable candidates for longer term prophylaxis. Continuous or postcoital antibiotic prophylaxis are generally considered suitable for ≥3 episodes of UTIs each year.
Interestingly, studies into prophylactic antibiotics for recurrent UTI treatment have demonstrated that patients are highly accurate in diagnosing their own UTIs. So keep this in mind the next time you receive negative UTI test results – if you think you have a UTI, it’s quite likely you do. The test is probably wrong, not your intuition.
“I had had so many UTIs over the course of 2 years, my doctor decided it was a fairly safe option to prescribe postcoital antibiotics. I took them for a few months, but then I stopped, and the UTIs just came back.” |
The Pros And Cons Of Prophylactic Antibiotics For UTI Treatment
PROS | • Studies show, that for the duration of prophylactic antibiotics for UTI treatment, females experience up to a 95% reduction in UTI recurrences. • Our interviewees that rely on prophylactic antibiotics find the anxiety related to a potential recurrence is reduced with the knowledge that it is less likely. |
CONS | • Studies show that once prophylactic treatment is ended, females are likely to return to the same rate of UTI recurrence they experienced before they commenced the treatment. • Any type of antibiotic use comes with potential side effects, which include destroying good bacteria in the gut and increasing the risk of yeast infection. • Research has found that prophylactic antibiotics for UTI treatment promote the development of antibiotic-resistant forms of UTI-causing E.coli (uropathogenic E.coli, or UPEC). |
This last point is extremely important. Without even knowing it, by taking ineffective antibiotics you could be encouraging a difficult-to-treat embedded infection to form in your urinary tract.
For this reason alone, specialists in the area of chronic urinary tract infections do not recommend the use of low dose antibiotic regimens for UTI treatment.
So while you may find prophylactic antibiotic treatment helpful, there is a good chance your UTIs will return if you cease the treatment, and you may actually be making your condition worse.
Long Term Antibiotics For UTI
Treatment of biofilms or embedded infection within the bladder may take a longer term approach.
We’ve discussed elsewhere on our site the difficulty of treating an infection encased in a biofilm, or within the bladder wall.
Bacteria can live for 6 months or more protected within their biofilm or within the bladder wall. The long-term duration of treatment is in part considered necessary because of this lifecycle.
Periodically, bacteria may escape from a biofilm and either be flushed from the body, or attach to the bladder wall to form new biofilm communities.
The idea behind a constant regimen of high dose antibiotics over six months or more, is that any bacteria that do escape into the urine will hopefully be eradicated before reattaching to the bladder wall.
And eventually, the lifecycle of the already embedded bacteria will also have come to an end.
The best case scenario with long term high dose treatment is that the bacterial community within any biofilm is destroyed.
The main difference between this type of UTI treatment, and the continuous prophylactic antibiotic treatment mentioned above, is the dosage.
Prophylactic doses are low, and are intended to prevent acute episodes. Biofilm treatment doses are high, and are intended to eradicate the infection completely over time.
“For the cases I see, on average it takes a year of antibiotic treatment to resolve their symptoms, but there’s a wide variance. There are some people with infections we can’t get rid of, and we have to control the symptoms.”
This type of treatment shouldn’t be attempted alone. It’s essential to work with a clinician that can oversee treatment and assess the use of antibiotics. As we all know, antibiotics can come with side effects, and these can be serious.
One protocol for long term antibiotic treatment for chronic UTI has been demonstrated in the UK, and an alternative approach to oral antibiotics is antibiotic bladder instills, which some people may respond to better.
Check out our interview with Dr. David Kaufman where we discuss his approach to long term antibiotics.
Estrogen For Recurrent UTI Treatment
Can estrogen help for recurrent UTI?
We’ve covered this in detail in our content on UTI and Menopause, but for a quick overview…
Post-menopausal females that experience recurrent UTI may be prescribed hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This could be estrogen in a systemic form (a pill taken orally) or topical form (a cream that is applied inside the vagina).
So why estrogen? And why in the vagina?
Science has shown that the vaginal and urinary microbiomes are interconnected, and it would appear that a healthy vaginal environment with a good amount of lactic acid can provide some protection from UTIs.
To maintain this healthy vaginal environment, it’s important that Lactobacilli are abundant. These Lactobacilli multiply when the right source of food is readily available. In this case, that source of food is glycogen that is found on the surface of the vaginal epithelial cells (vaginal lining).
The more glycogen that is available, the more the Lactobacilli eat, and the more they multiply. It is thought that estrogen increases the stores of glycogen.
When females go through menopause, the levels of estrogen are reduced, resulting in diminished glycogen stores, and therefore the Lactobacillus population is also reduced.
Studies have shown that estrogen therapy may help reverse this process and result in a reduced risk of UTI.
Learn more about estrogen treatment for UTI.
Other UTI Remedies And Treatment Options
While there are many studies aimed at measuring the effectiveness of different antibiotics for UTI treatment, there is very little solid research around non-antibiotic treatment of UTIs. We’ve covered the most searched for UTI home remedies in detail in a separate article.
A number of researchers have questioned whether antibiotics should be the go-to for first-time uncomplicated urinary tract infections, suggesting they may be unnecessary in many cases.
Because diagnosis and treatment guidelines are based on evidence, and because natural remedies are rarely studied, they are not found within therapeutic guidelines, and your doctor is very unlikely to recommend them.
So what are the non-antibiotic treatment options for recurrent UTI?
Bacteriophage Therapy For Recurrent UTI
Bacteriophage therapy, or phage therapy, can sound somewhat sci-fi, but in reality, it is based on a process that is continuously occurring in our bodies. Phages are just one of the organisms that helps keep a healthy microbiome in check.
Phages are viruses that infect and destroy specific bacteria. They are naturally programmed to seek out and kill a particular type of bacterium, such as E. coli, and they will not impact anything else in the microbiome.
For this reason, phage therapy has gained popularity as a potential therapy for antibiotic resistance and difficult-to-treat infection. In reality, phage therapy is not new, but research was abandoned in many parts of the world with the discovery of antibiotics.
Is phage therapy an option for sufferers of recurrent or chronic UTI? Maybe. We’ve covered phage therapy for UTI in detail, so you can learn all about it.
Fulguration For Recurrent UTI
Although bladder fulguration has become a popular topic in recent years, the procedure itself has been around for decades. The process includes inserting a tool through the urethra, similar to that of a cystoscope, and cauterizing abnormal lesions on the bladder wall.
The purpose of bladder fulguration for recurrent UTI is to remove lesions which may be harboring bacteria of which antimicrobials are unable to reach. While some patients have reported great success, others experience no change or a worsening of symptoms.
As far as the scientific research goes, for the most common type of tissue change, trigonitis, up to 90% of patients report symptom improvement or fewer UTIs per year. But for the more rare tissue abnormalities, such as leukoplakia, vesicular cystitis, and Hunner’s ulcers, the rate of success is closer to 50%, with some requiring repeat fulguration.
We brought all of the information from clinicians, patients, and research together to discuss fulguration for recurrent UTI.
Should You Try UTI Home Remedies?
The only person that can make this decision is you. And before deciding, you should learn what you can about any UTI remedy you’re considering.
And it’s important to understand this:
The absence of evidence around non-antibiotic UTI treatments does not mean they do not work, but it does mean we don’t know if they work.
Just because a number of people agree in a UTI forum that a particular remedy works for them, it does not mean it will work for you, or that it even works at all.
Think about it… If you rely on a specific home remedy every time symptoms of a UTI flare up, yet you continue to get UTIs, you can almost guarantee that remedy is not addressing the underlying problem.
Obviously, this does little to curb the enthusiasm for natural UTI remedies online. There is always plenty of discussion on how to treat your next UTI, but very little around resolving the issue so it never happens again.
It’s essential to separate the myths from fact – there are natural UTI remedies that are looking very promising as future UTI treatment options, but there are other very well publicized natural UTI remedies that have been proven ineffective.
It can be difficult to figure out who to believe. So in our UTI home remedies article we’ve taken a look at how home remedies stack up, including D-mannose and vitamin C.
Recurrent UTI Treatment Specialists
Finding the proper specialist to treat your UTIs is an important step, as discussed by UK reality TV star Marnie Simpson who has also dealt with a chronic UTI. There are very few practitioners who specialize in the treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections, but we maintain a list by region of those we have come across in our research.
Watch our video interview with Dr. Mandy, who discusses the importance of the immune system when trying to tackle recurrent UTI.
If you would like more information on specialists in your area, it’s best to get in touch with us directly and let us know where you’re based. We can’t guarantee we can help, but we’re always working on expanding our network.
And please get in touch if you would like to recommend a practitioner who has helped you!
If you’d like to learn more about some of the different primary care and urology approaches, check out the article and video links below:
- Dr. Michael Hsieh (USA)
- Dr. Cat Anderson (UK)
- Ruth Kriz (USA, retired)
- Dr. Philippe Zimmern (USA) (read Carrie’s story about working with Dr. Zimmern)
- Dr. Stewart Bundrick (USA)
- Dr. Timothy Hlavinka (USA)
- The late Professor Malone-Lee (UK)
- Dr. Raj Patel (USA)
- Dr. Angelish Kumar (USA)
We’ve also covered naturopathy, neuralgia, health psychology and pelvic floor physical therapy:
- Dr. Nicholas Fogelson, Neuropelveology (USA)
- Dr. Ashley Girard, Naturopathic Doctor (Canada)
- Aline Filipe, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist (Australia)
- Dr. Bri, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist (Online only)
- Dr. Sula Windgassen, Health Psychologist (UK)
Clinicians who would like to get involved in our community can learn more on our clinician information page.
The Steps To Overcoming Recurrent UTI
For those of us who experience persistent UTI, the treatment options can seem pretty grim.
We’ve covered short course antibiotics, which are unlikely to resolve recurrent UTIs caused by a chronic bladder infection and may not even help with symptoms.
Then there’s prophylactic antibiotics for UTI treatment, which can reduce episodes of recurrence while you’re on it, but once you stop, you could be right back where you started, or in an even worse position.
Not to mention the havoc frequent or long-term antibiotics can wreak throughout your body.
So what are the options here? We’d love to say we can point you in the right direction for a guaranteed cure, but, as we’re sure you’ve guessed, it’s not that simple.
UTI Treatment: Steps To Success
There are multiple parts to this problem. First, learn everything you can about recurrent and chronic UTI.
Then, the success of your journey will depend on four things:
- Collecting a high quality urine sample
- Pursuing more accurate UTI testing
- Working with a specialist that understands recurrent UTI and can help with 1 and 2
- Having the perseverance to find another doctor if step 3 doesn’t work out
To get answers to commonly asked questions about chronic and recurrent UTI, visit our FAQ page. Share your questions and comments below, or get in touch with our team.
Ask Questions. Tell Stories!
Comments
I have reoccurring utis every month and Its ruining my life. D mannose works sometimes but I am so scared. I tried prophppactic antibiotics a year ago it didn’t work. My urologist gave up, im so scared please I need help the finding a doctor. I’m in OR in the US and I have BCBS/Anthem insurance. Willing to travel
Hi Hannah,
I’ve sent an email with this information
Best wishes,
Issy
Hello, I’m based in Chicago and would appreciate any recommendations for specialists in the area and in the US – I’m willing to travel. Thank you.
Hi there, I’ve sent an email with this information to you. Best wishes, Issy
Hello! Hoping you have a list of recommended providers in OR? The only one I can find doesn’t accept my insurance (CIGNA), and I’m really hoping to remedy my chronic UTIs. Thanks!
Hi Courtney, I’ve sent you an email with this information. Best wishes, Issy
Do you have contacts for Chronic UTI specialists in Oregon? (or WA or CA)
Hi Julie, I’ve sent you a list of practitioners for these states. I hope this helps, Issy
Do you have details for a UTI specialist in South London? Or in the London area.
Hi I have lost your email, please can you resend?
Hi Imogen, I’ve sent you an email. Best wishes, Issy
Hi Imogen, we sent further information by email – I hope it’s helpful. Melissa
Hi! I’ve had UTI like symptoms for the last year. I’ve taken multiple test and all negative. I’ve tested for STDs and negative. Some days the symptoms are very mild to nonexistent and some days particularly in the mornings it’s a dull ache in pelvic area and slight burning when I pee. No excruciating pain. There was no blood in urine and urologist performed coposcopy and bladder was healthy and no cancer present. I am at a loss why this won’t go away.
Hi Davita, it can be helpful to consult with a recurrent/chronic UTI specialist for an additional opinion. If you send us a direct message and let us know where you are based, we can share more information. It’s also possible that another condition could be causing urinary symptoms, so it can be beneficial to keep investigating. Melissa
Hi. I’m based in the UK, Newcastle. Does anyone know any UTI specialist here please??
Hi Naghmeh, we sent you an email with more information a few days ago. I hope it’s helpful, Melissa
Hi, do we know any specialists in Sweden? Thank you so much!
Hi Mag, we sent you an email and you’re welcome to ask any further questions there. Melissa
Looking for a specialist in Denver, CO. Get about 5 UTIs per year- recent urogynecologist wrote me off when recent test came back negative despite symptoms. A few years ago I had 16 confirmed utis in one year. Need someone who can help me.
Hi Samantha, we sent you an email with more information. I hope it’s helpful, Melissa
I would love to know more about what worked for you! I have had recurrent UTIs for a little over three years now. Each year atleast one infection spreads to my kidneys. This landed me in the ER begging for pain pills and leaving with nothing but a huge bill. It’s such a good feeling to know I’m not alone
Hi Ashlyn, you’re definitely not alone. I’m happy to share more information but I’m not certain whose personal experience you’re referring to. Can you send me a direct message and let me know? Melissa
Please, do you know a specialist in France ?
Hi Jenifer, I just sent you an email with more info. I hope it helps, Melissa
Hi, I’m so happy I found this thread. I have had a chronic uti for 8 years now and after 1 entire year of antibiotic therapy every day, my bladder pain is gone but I still have to lean over to pee and if I ever went swimming or took a bath or even touched the area, I end up with another uti and need to get more antibiotics. I also have Lyme disease so this I’m sure is causing weak immunity, and I’ve always been prone to UTIs. I’m posting this comment because like other people here, I also live in the Los Angeles area and need help trying to get my life back. I may never swim, take a bath or have sex ever again (and i haven’t for the entire year of this treatment). It certainly isn’t worth it if I get pain every single time. Thanks so much.
Can you forward me what they sent you? I’m desperate for help.
Hi Chelsea, can you please send me a direct message and let me know where you’re based, along with any questions you have? I’ll do my best to help. Melissa
Hi Jennifer, I just sent you an email with more information. I hope it’s helpful, Melissa
I have had recurrent UTIs for 2+ months now, I know for fact my first one was not treated properly. I have never had this before. I am 24. Could you please tell me what you did to treat yours? I read about Melissa’s story on chronic uti australia and I am extremely interested!
Hi Rachel, I just sent you an email with more information. Let me know if you have any questions. Melissa
I have a question: Would a cystoscopy reveal the inflammation on the bladder wall if it’s embedded in a biofilm? Basically, I want to know whether this is a path I should pursue, given the high cost. My doctor wants me to do urodynamic testing (also expensive) and follow a special diet and frankly I don’t feel like those things will address the underlying issue, which I’m sure is an infection. I’ve had 50-100 UTIs so am very well aware of the symptoms. Now I have my first one that appears to be resistant to many antibiotics, even those the culture says are susceptible. Thank you for any information.
Hi Kay, I just sent you an email with information about this, and your questions in the other comment you left. Melissa
Hi there I’ve suffered from Uti’s since 2003 and chronic since 2012 with two years symptom free 2017 – 2019 however I’m back into it this year and very interested! Thanks Sue
Can I get the list on how you got rid of them?
Hi Tralesa, I just sent you an email with more information. I hope it helps. Melissa
Hi Sue, I saw you’d also sent us an email earlier, so I just sent you more information there. Melissa
I’ve had recurrent UTIs now for a decade, I’m 21 and over the last 4 years they’ve been getting progressively worse and more frequent. I’ve been vegan since June but I’ve still had continuous bouts of UTI symptoms in 4 months, which suggests to me that I may have a pretty strong biofilm. I’m at my wits end and I don’t know what to do to make this condition more manageable so I stop missing Uni and work. I have frequent BV and thrush too, and unexplainable pelvic pain. I’ve had pelvic shooting pains since I was 17. GPs prescribe me antibiotics which provide short term relief but tend to give me thrush. I take d mannose now [Ive only begun taking it this week!] and I began cutting out alcohol, soy milk, refined sugar and citrus. Is there anything else I can do?
Hi Amber, I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this. I’ve sent over an email with some info, and I hope you find some relief soon. Susy
After reading through your website I suspect I might have a chronic low level uti. Do you know of any specialists on the nhs that are knowledgeable of testing/treatment? I looked at Prof Malone-Lee but apparently he has retired!
Hi Kate, I’ve sent an email over with some options. Susy
I’ve been seeing a Urologist on the NHS for the past 2 yrs but don’t seem to be getting anywhere, and particularly with the challenges of COVID and really struggling to have this solved. I’ve been on a low dose of antibiotics since July and still in pain most days. Any recommendations in best way to deal with the NHS during this challenging time?
Hi Mara, I just replied to an earlier email you sent, with more information. I hope it helps. Melissa
What should my partner say to his doctor about getting tested to see if he is the cause of my recurrent UTI? Sorry if its a stupid question but Ive never heard of this before reading it on your site.
Hi. I’ve had recurrent Uris for 2 years now snd would appreciate any help or advice you can give. Thank you.
Hi Jaye, can you send me a direct message and let me know where you’re based so I can share appropriate information? Melissa
Hi Eva, it’s a great question, not stupid at all. I just sent you an email with some more insight on this. At the moment we aren’t aware of any scientific reference that may support this conversation, but we do know there are a few studies in the process of being published. We’ll share more when these are available. Melissa
I’ve had 3 back to back UTI’s in 6 weeks. And am currently on my third round of antibiotics, but even on them still feel like it’s gets worse as the day progresses. I’m at such a loss as to why they are not working as they should be and fear so much about getting trapped in this cycle forever I’m struggling to even go to work. I live in Australia is there any information I can pass onto my doctor for further testing options?
Hi Rhea, I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing this. I’ve sent over an email with some info. Susy
Can you recommend some probiotics to try to prevent uti?
Hi Brandy, I just sent an email in response to your other comment, and it contains this info. Melissa
Males also suffer from chronic UTIs. I have a suprapubic catheter, which caused me no problems for the first three years. Recently, however, I had four rounds of short-course antibiotic treatment for a stubborn UTI that always returns. The primary bacteria is S. aureus, which creates a visible biofilm on the inner walls of the catheter. This makes me think that it has also colonized the walls of the bladder. Unfortunately, my urologist is retiring. Can you recommend a specialist in Chicago?
Hi Tim, we are working on some male-specific content. I just sent you an email with some more information about clinicians. Melissa
What probiotics and cranberry supplements are recommended as prevention?
Hi Cassandra, we’ve covered UTI probiotics here if you’d like to read more. You can also find more information about cranberry supplements in the same article. Melissa
Hi Naomi, sorry for the contact form error, we’re trying to fix it. I just emailed you with some more information. Melissa
I’m now on almost 13 years of chronic UTI/interstitial cystitis. I got connected with another practitioner through Ruth’s office who has been incredible. I’ve honed in on a dietary protocol & we did a round of some herbals that have eased some symptoms. But, the guaranteed post-coital UTI’s and near-daily night-time bladder pain– you know the kind where it feels like your bladder is not only cooking itself, but it might also be hardening– are still there.
I’ll be starting Cipro bladder instillation for two weeks. Has anyone on here had good results from the instillations? My current practitioner said it might take a few rounds of these to get them right– daunting no only because… well self-catherization, but also because of price. Thank you!
Hi Emma, I was referred from Ruth’s office to to a Dr. SHe has helped me and now has me trying bladder installations with Cipro. I am feeling bad today but not sure if it’s gluten from last night ( I didn’t know it was in the food) or another UTI. I am wondering if Cipro is the best choice but according to lab test it is. It was hard at first to self cather but after a week a pro at it now. Starting on second week so hopefully better soon. Take care! Melissa
Thanks so much for this reply, Melissa! I am now on day 3 of the installations. Good to know you’ve also got the UTI-feels. My doctor did say things may get worse before they get better as the biofilm breaks up… thanks to the irritated sensations in my bladder right now, I’m really curious about the likelihood of developing another UTI from catheterization alone, but logic says since you’re sending in antibiotics, the chances of contracting a new UTI & pathogen (unless it’s Cipro-resistant) is pretty low. You’re right, they get easier!
Hi Emma, I tried to post a reply this morning but I guess I forgot to sign up for emails so it did not post. Apologies! I am on my 2nd week and will complete the recommended 28 days. I also am ordering Soil based probiotics ( due to possibly IBS or SIBO now) and Heather’s Tummy Fiber-lost a lot of weight due to too many antibiotics and GI is a mess, plus yeast we are working on clearing up using Amy Myers MD products. Since most biofilms have been broken down (not sure) I think that introducing antibiotic straight into the bladder to gene resistant bacteria is the best course! Lots of women are no longer IC patients! Hang in there and feel free to reach out anytime.
Good luck with the rest of your treatment! Melissa
Hi Emma, I’m so glad to hear you’re making progress. If you have any questions for our team, you can always send us a direct message. I’m sure there are others here who can share their experiences, too. Melissa
I’ve had chronic UTIs for over a year now and my search for medical help is proving futile. The urologist who I waited over half a year to see talked to me for 5 minutes, told me it would work itself out, and then gave me a random prescription (without even taking a urine sample) for “whenever I need it.” I was happy to wash my hands of it all when leaving his office, but now with a lot more knowledge on the topic thanks to this site, I’m genuinely insulted by the treatment I received. Does anyone know of any UTI specialists in Toronto? (I’ve also sent an email) Thank you oh so much in advance!
Hi Natalia, I see you also reached out by email and we’ve shared some information there. If you have any other questions, do reach out! Melissa
I get a UTI within 36-48 hours of having sex. I’ve proven this time and time again. Since I know the cause in my case, I find it frustrating that I get blamed for my UTI whenever I go to a Dr. for treatment. Why hasn’t anyone considered looking at the role a sexual partner might play in all of this? Like most men, my husband’s not the most diligent at hand washing. Just think about all the things a man touches throughout the day. Then consider that he touches his penis every time he goes go the bathroom. That’s a lot of germs collecting on the part of his body that is going to be rubbing directly across the opening of my urethra when we have sex. It seems pretty obvious to me. Why wouldn’t a woman get an infection in that situation? Am I wrong?
Hi Bonnie, there are a number of theories around sex and UTI. Some practitioners do consider a partner’s potential contribution to this, and will recommend that both partners are tested, and possibly treated. We do hear from people whose partners have been found to be carrying the same bacterium identified in their own tests, despite the partner experiencing no symptoms. Another theory is that sex aggravates an existing chronic bladder infection. We’ve covered one practitioner’s approach here. Melissa
I’m also interested in getting the referral information for the specialist who’s helping you. My UTI’s always show up shortly after sex with my husband, and he’s never been tested for anything, as he presents so symptoms. I however, go through multiple UTI’s a year, and as of today will be starting my 7th antibiotic in the last 6 months… I’m so tired of this 🙁
Hi April, I can sympathise with your frustration. I saw you also sent us an email so I’ve replied there with information that I hope is helpful. Melissa
I am in the same boat, Bonnie! My husband and I have been practicing a LOT of abstinence because of this (talk about great for a marriage, right??). I’m working via telemedicine with a practitioner who Ruth’s office recommended (Dr. Berman based in Ithaca), and she is going to order a combined semen/urine test for my husband to see if he also needs treatment. I can personally recommend her! Her approach is slow, careful, and thorough, but we’re making progress!
Hi Melissa, would it be possible for you to email me the email address of Dr. Berman based in Ithaca that is currently helping Emma (or maybe another practitioner that would order a specimen sample for my partner – I am based in London)? I, too, suspect it might be due to my partner’s bacteria, since I got my first UTI after we got together.
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Martina, I just sent you an email with more information. Melissa
I have been suffering with reoccurring UTI’s for years. It has escalated to 2 hospitalizations for kidney infections and sepsis. For years, I have seen specialists. I have a rectocele and an enterocele but my doctor does not feel it is the problem.
I have recently been diagnosed with ESBL, multiple antibiotic allergies, and drug resistance. I am desperate for answers and hoping I can find a doctor who could help me before I end up on IV drug treatment or worse. I live in Southern California .
Hi Melissa, can you send us a direct message so I can share information about possible clinicians via email? Melissa
Hi, can I have Prof Malone-Lee contact details please? Thank you
Hi Pauline, can you send us a direct message so I can share more information via email? We don’t publish practitioner information. Melissa
2 years ago my ureter was stiched off during a botched C-section. The ureter was reinserted into the bladder as a shorter ureter. Because of this I have reflux. Since the surgery I get two UTIs a month. I am constantly on Macrobid at a high dose. Would this surgery have caused my sudden chronic UTIs and do you have any advice on how to find relief from this problem? Are there any urologists in the Vegas area you recommend seeing?
Hi Julia, sorry to hear you’re experiencing that. We have heard from others who have experienced recurrent UTI after surgery, but everyone’s case is different. Can you send us a direct message so I can share more information about practitioners via email? Melissa
I’m a 29 year old Asian female and for the past 4 years, I get a UTI with every single period each month and it seems they become more painful as time goes on. Does anyone else experience this or know how to treat it? I’ve researched this extensively and can’t find anyone else with the same recurring problem. I don’t ever get UTIs from sexual activity or “high risk” activities, such as biking, swimming, etc. I’ve already seen a urologist about this, as well as spoken to my gynecologist about it, but they haven’t had patients with my same symptoms. The only treatment at this point from my gyno is to go on birth control where I have periods every four months so as to lessen the UTI occurrence (since they’re only triggered by my period). Any insight would be appreciated.
Hi Surti,
I wanted to reach out because I get the exact same thing… after my periods each month. Have you found anything that works at all?
Hi Surti, we hear from many people who experience UTI symptoms at specific times during their menstrual cycle, so you’re not alone in that, despite what your doctors have said. There is some research into the impact of hormones on the urinary microbiome that indicates there may be a link. There are also other things to consider, and a recurrent UTI specialist may be able to help you get to the bottom of it. If you would like more info on practitioners, send us a direct message. Melissa
Hello. I have had recurrent UTIs for the last year – roughly about 10 to 11. It has been a nightmare. I was noticing I got them after having sex, but now it seems many things can trigger them. I was recently referred to a urologist, but I am concerned I am going to be prescribed antibiotics. I am located in SoCal between OC and LA. Any referrals would be greatly appreciated. This site has been a saving grace. It is nice to know I am not alone.
Hi Alexandra, I can sympathise! Can you send me a direct message so I can share more information by email? Melissa
I have been having UTI’s that are giving me extreme back/flank pain lately. When I take antibiotics, the pain goes away. I had kidney stones last year with bacteria that was present. I had a procedure that broke the stones up so they would pass. I was fine until April of this year and now have a another kidney stone present along with bacteria which gave me flank pain.I also have an overreactive bladder. It is noted that I have recurrent UTI’s in my chart. I am taking antibiotics again/now since the infection has come back causing more flank pain again. Do you know of a doctor in Atlanta, GA that can help me with the UTI’s? Thanks!
Hi Michele, at the moment we don’t know of any recurrent UTI specialists in GA, but I can share some details of others that offer appointments via telephone/video call, if you’re interested. If so, send me a direct message and I’ll email you. Melissa
I just keep getting Uti second antibody, is their a practitioner in st louis Mo
Got akidney stone 9 mile going to get it blasted is this why iam getting kidney infections been on going for years get back pain when I have one nearly every other week or 2
Hi Brenda, sorry to hear you’re experiencing that. If there are any resources we can share, feel free to contact us directly. Melissa
Hi Carolyn, can you send us a direct message so we can share more information via email? Melissa
My doctor has mentioned vaginal estrogen cream to help prevent recurrent UTIs. I’m 69. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thank you!
Hi Bonnie, we recently published an article on exactly this topic, if you’d like to read it: UTI and Menopause. Melissa
have had recurring UTIs for 13 years- always after sex. Found many natural solutions that worked…but gradually each one eventually is no longer effective. I have been on many antibiotics over the years. I have a chronic enterococcus faecalis UTI that I just can’t beat. I will no longer risk having sex which is pretty sad but this has destroyed my life and gut health. Are there any specialists in Sarasota FL area or Rhode Island? Thank you for all of the information outlined.
Hi Susan, I sent you some further info via email. Melissa
I’m having recurring UTI’s which I believe are mostly if not all caused by sex because I never had one before I started being sexually active. I’m afraid this will ruin my relationship are there any doctor’s in the Tampa, Fl area?
Hi Viviana, can you send me a private message so I can share more information by email? Melissa
I am having this exact problem, it has been going on for a year since I’ve become sexually active. I’ve had four UTIs in the past 10 months. I also am looking for a specialist in the Tampa, Florida area
Hi Ana, I saw you also sent an email so I’ve replied there with more info. Melissa
Just wondering if there are any specialists in Texas? I’ve been to several providers who seem to care only about test results rather than the patient in front of them. It’s been a difficult month for me..please help!
Yes, there is a urologist in San Antonio Texas that does microgen testing and is also trying to integrate natural remedies as well. I will tell you his office is very difficult. He’s good, but very hard to get anything done. If that makes sense?
Dr. Timothy Hlavinka
Hi Robin, I also got your email so I’ve responded there with more information. Melissa
Hi Jen, I received your email too, so I’ve replied there with more information. Melissa
Would you mind sharing this information with me aswell.
Hi Emily, I just sent you an email with more information. Melissa
I have had UTIs all my adult life, and was able to remain free of them for the last couple of years with the help of estrace, d mannose and probiotics. But in the last 5 months I’ve had 3 confirmed infections. I’m wondering if it is due to a biofilm and if you have any recommendations on that. Also if you know of any specialists in the SF/Oakland area that treat recurrent UTIs. Thank you!
Hi Lori, can you send us a direct message so we can share more info about practitioners via email? Melissa
Do you know any specialists in San Francisco who can help me with recurrent UTI’s? Thank you
Hi Sarah, can you send us a direct message so we can share more info via email? Melissa
I am 73 and have heard bladder infections don’t bother older people so much. I am worried about kidney infections in particular. I meed to see a specialist in my area. I live in Birmingham, England. Can you let me know who this might be?
Hi Elizabeth, I received your email as well, so I’ve replied to that with more info. Melissa
Just wondering if you know of any Specialists in NewYork ? I live in Brooklyn and am in desperate need to heal .. My UTI comes and goes every few days I can’t take it .. Please Help !
Hi Lisa, I also got your email, so I’ve replied with more info there. Melissa
My urologist has me taking D- Mannose. I’m still getting positive UTIs and episodes that come back negative. What are your feelings about D-Mannose?
Hi Kim, we’ve covered D-mannose in more detail here. At this stage, it has been shown to have some impact on E. coli, however, more research is needed to confirm this, and to provide more insight into whether it works the same way when other bacteria are involved. Melissa
Any UTI specialists in Wi that you know of?
Hi Jackie, we don’t know of any in WI yet. There are some elsewhere that offer telemedicine. If you’re interested in more information, you can send us a direct message. Melissa
Hi , I am a married female 42 years old. I have been getting UTIs for years and was prescribed macrobid to take after sex. This worked for years but now I can’t have sex at all with my husband even if I take the macrobid , I still get a uti. It really affects our ability to have that romantic side to our marriage. Anyone else have this or have any ways that they resolved this problem ? Abstinence is my only option for now.
Hi Erin, we hear from many people who find that sex triggers UTIs. As you would have read above, the use of prophylactic antibiotics (such as you described) has mixed results, with many people returning to the same frequency of UTIs before treatment commenced. Many people also report that finding the right practitioner was a turning point for them. If you’d like more information about anything, you can get in touch directly. Melissa
Hi,
My MIL had a UTI almost constant since I have been with my husband (10 years) they used to be off and on but for the last two years have been constant. She also has MS and her urologist says that she is just prone to them due to her MS and puts her on antibiotics. She has become resistant to a lot of antibiotics and none of them are helping. I was wondering if there were any specialists near Boston that you knew of or any information you could share with me to help steer her in the right direction. Or even questions to ask the urologist. She is one that believes everything the doctor will tell her but for her to feel this way for years doesn’t seem right!!! Thank you. -Stephanie
Hi Stephanie, I’m sorry to hear that. Are you able to send us a direct message so I can share more information via email? Melissa
Is there any specialist near Pensacola Florida for chronic uti’s?
Hi Jessica, I saw you also sent us an email, so I’ve responded there with more information. Melissa
I’ve had varying UTIs for the past six weeks since my hysterectomy. I had a catheter with stents for 24 hours. I’ve had Klebsiella and now have enterococcus faecalis. I’m in the sixth antibiotic and was wondering what happens if this one doesn’t work. How long do I wait to do a urine culture after finishing this round of antibiotics? Thank you
Hi Caroline, a standard urine culture and short antibiotic treatment may not be the answer. If you haven’t already, you can read our info about testing here. And if you have questions after that, you can always send us a direct message. Melissa
need dr in Atl. GA. Chronic UTI and or bladder infection.
Hi Betty, could you send us a direct message and we’ll share what info we can. Susy
Any Urologist in Florida .who can help with recurrent UTI
Hi Arpita, if you send us a direct message we can share some more info. Susy
hi, any specialists in the NY/NJ area for recurring UTIs?
Hi Kathy, if you send us a direct message, we can share info with you that way. Susy
Do you know of any doctors in Florida? Two years of a UTI once a month and now they tell me my urine is negative and I’m in constant pain. I live on Azo. Thanks
Hi Joanne, if you could send us a direct message and we’ll share more info. Susy
Hi, are there any known specialists/UTI doctors in Southern California? (San Diego/LA Area)
Hi Tori, if you send us a message directly we can share more info. Susy
I have been having bladder pain, urgency and frequency for the last 2 months. About 3 weeks ago, I was in so much pain I ended up going to ER. There they found moderate enteroccocus faecalis in my urine – my urine does not look like typical uti (I had those in the past and this is different) I was treated with 7 days of amoxi, but symptoms did not go away. do you have a list of doctors in Boston area, that might be able to help?
Many thanks!
Hi Martina, we don’t know of any in Boston yet, but we may have some other useful options. If you’re interested, please send us a direct message. Melissa
Do you have a list of UTI doctors in the New York City area?
Hi Roseann, I saw you also sent us an email so I’ve replied there with more info. Melissa
Thanks for great articles. Do you have a list of any recurrent UTI doctors in the Chicagoland area? thanks!
Hi Lisa, can you send us a direct message so we can share any resources via email? Melissa
Do you know of any doctors in Oklahoma?
Hi Katy, we also received your email so I have replied with more info there. Melissa
Hello sir mujhe uti har 2 – 3 month me hojata hai antibiotics kha k thik hojata hai but phr 2-3 month bad phr se hojata hai . Meri shadi bi nhi hoi hai ab Tak ab hone wali hai .
Hi Faizan, can you send us a direct message with any questions you have? Melissa
Do you know any specialists in the Southern California area (LA or San Diego)?
Hi Miranda, I saw you sent us a direct message, so I’ve replied there. Susy
Do you know any Chronic UTI specialists in Manhattan, NY or Jersey City?
Hi Sadhz, can you send us a direct message so I can share more information via email? Melissa
Hi! Thanks for all of the information. Do you know of any doctors in the Los Angeles area specializing in UTI treatment?
Do you know of any doctors in the Los Angeles area specializing in UTI treatment? Please respond private email with subject line: UTI Referral
Hi Susan, I’ve emailed you some information. Melissa
Hi Katy, can you send me a direct message so I can provide more info via email? Melissa
Is there a UTI specialist in NC?
Hi Kay, I saw you sent us a direct message so I’ll share some info there. Susy
Do you know of any doctors specializing in recurrent UTIs in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada? Been suffering for past 3 years with no help from GP.
Hi Amanda, at the moment we don’t know of any in that specific region. We may be able to share some helpful info though. Can send us a direct message? Melissa
I have been having recurrent Utis for many years. Sometimes I can go a long time without one (a couple of years) and sometimes I have one after another for up to 4 or 5 times. Which at the point I am now. I am ready to see a specialist and was wondering if you could refer one in the Memphis TN area.
Hi Paula, at the moment we don’t know of any recurrent UTI specialists in TN, but I can share some telemedicine options via email, if you’re interested in that. Just send me a direct message. Melissa
I live in Yokosuka, Japan. Do you know of any specialists who deal with Chronic UTI’s in the Tokyo area? Ten years ago I got a UTI with a 104 temperature, shaking, and more. I was given antibiotics but the UTI recurred in less than 6 months. For 9 years I have been getting UTI every 3 to 4 months. My worry is that the infections are happening with more frequency now.
Hi Karla, have you found someone in Tokyo. I am in the same situation than you. Thank you
Hi Karla, although we don’t yet know of any chronic UTI specialists in Japan, we may be able to share details of some in the USA that offer telemedicine, if that interests you. I can share further information via email, if you send me a direct message. Melissa
I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis around 20 years ago and have always had small trace amounts of blood in urine testing and always come back negative. My symptoms were brought on by a uti but the symptoms never went away. I would love to speak to a specialist in this area. Do you know of anyone in Wisconsin?
Hi Nic, I received your email, so I’ve responded with more information there. Melissa
Hello! Thank you for very informative post. Do you know of any doctors specializing in recurrent UTIs in Toronto, Canada?
Hi Camille, can you send me a direct message so I can share further resources via email? Melissa
Ned help with uti. I have had 4 in 5 months All culture came back negative. They gave me antibiotics right away because I was in such pain and urinating every 5 minutes . All antibiotics helped the first day . No pain after day 1 I continued on all antibiotics. Till gone but came back after 1 month. No one has helped what should I do. I also have a dropped bladder could that be the problem. Tell me what I should do
Hi Maureen, can you send me a direct message with more information about where you’re located so I can share any resources via email that may be helpful? Melissa
Do you recommend biofilm disrupters? If so, which ones?
Hi there, we don’t recommend any products or specific treatments, instead, we provide information. There isn’t a lot of evidence around biofilm disrupters for UTI, but I can share what we have learned anecdotally, if you’d like to send me an email. Melissa
I’ve had UTIs since I was 13. I have no desire to take any more antibiotics, especially because I think yeast and fungus in the bladder have been part of the situation. I test positive for bacteria, always, when seeking treatment. So, probably a mixture of organisms, over a long time period. My best success in at least lessening UTIs has been knocking off sugars and carbs, and other dietary measures. Once, green veggies only until symptoms cleared. But I’d like to fully defeat the causes so I overcome the long-term situation. Any recommendations for a practitioner in the LA area?
Hi, it’s good to hear you’re ready to seek the root cause of your UTIs. If you’d like to send us a direct message, I can share more information. Susy
I have both Interstitial Cystitis and lately have been on four different courses of different antibiotics for recurrent UTI that returns within 4 to 5 days after treatment.
Do you know of anybody in the Denver, Co area that specializes in recurrent (constant) UTI? Other nearby suburbs Littleton, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Englewood, Greenwood Village, Lakewood,etc. Please let me know as this is having an effect on my quality of life.
Also, how do they tell if you have biofilm infections vs. regular UTI?
Hi Donna, I can share more info via email, if you’d like to send a direct message. Susy
Are there any doctors with experience in recurrent UTI treatments in the Dallas area?
Hi Tracy, a few names in Texas have been shared with us. I can forward more info via email if you get in touch via our contact form. Melissa
How do I find a doxtor in Kansas City who is experienced with UTI’s?
Hi Elaina, at the moment, we don’t know of any chronic UTI practitioners in Missouri. I can share some information about practitioners that offer telemedicine, if that’s of interest to you. If so, you can send me a direct message. I’m also happy to answer any other questions you have, via email. Melissa
My preference is natural treatments for my symptoms , prophylaxis I do not think healthy for my immune system.
Perhaps I need to go on the mini pill rather than the combination pill I am on. I will try this once the course of fluconazole is finished in January 2019. If after this and the mini pill change still issues then I would like to get in touch with the first female practitioner you site in order for them to link in with my doctor to advise.
Hi Rosy, I saw you also sent us a direct message, so I shared more information via email. Melissa
Do you know of any chronic uti specialists in or near San Diego, CA? I recently had surgery and got a catheter related uti and am concerned about biofiom.
Hi Jon, are you able to send me a direct message so I can share more information? Melissa
Right now I know I’m suffering with another UTI, although I don’t have confirmation of it yet. This is the 4th bout this year. I’m desperate to find a solution and I’m willing to make the 2 hour drive for an appointment with Ms.Kriz if at all possible. Can that be done?
Hi Denise, at the moment Ruth Kriz is not accepting new patients as her waiting list is quite long and she doesn’t like to make people wait for care. The best option, if you’re interested in Ruth’s approach, is to ask your own practitioner whether they are willing to work with Ruth. Ruth is open to providing assistance to other practitioners who reach out. I can also share some names of practitioners who already work with Ruth and offer telemedicine. If you’d like further info, send me a direct message. Melissa
Hi…I have been hospitalized twice in the last 6 months with septics…both times I was told it was from a UTI . I don’t have the usual symptoms …so sometimes have a very bad infection before I know it. Now I am scared of it will happen again.. any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Jen, are you able to send me a direct message with more information on your location so I can share any resources that may be helpful? Melissa
I’ve had UTIs since I was 16. I used to get them 3-4 times a year, but in the last 4 months I’ve had one every few weeks. It’s starting to look like a persistent infection and I’m worried that I’ll develop a resistance to the antibiotics. Almost worse is the anxiety I feel anytime I want to have sex or drink alcohol (both are relapse triggers for me). When I read about the biofilms, that sounded the most close to what I was experiencing. Do you know any specialists I can see in San Francisco, California?
Hi Sonia, I just replied to your direct message with more information. I hope it helps. Let me know if there’s anything else we can help with. Melissa
I am also interested in a specialist in San Francisco area.
Hi Lara, we haven’t yet received any suggestions for practitioners in San Francisco, but I can share more info on California in general. I saw you sent me an email too so I’ll respond with further details there. Melissa
my dr. told me i may need hormones but does’t want to prescribe them to me as the chance of breast cancer increases. i thought i had a grip on aging…
Hi Cathy, we’re working on some content about hormones and recurrent UTI. Hopefully this will be a useful resource when it’s published. Melissa
I’m a 77 year old woman. Had constant UTI for 8 months, antibiotics were no help. Went to urologist at Stanford, had a cat scan and found I had a large staghorn kidney stone (5c ). Had to have surgery thru back to kidney. After surgery had another UTI and doc put me on low dose cephalexin in May. Haven’t had one since and am so relieved, however, my oncologist (breast cancer) says she’d rather see me on a low dose of topical estradiol. Urologist says that’s fine, but I’m very anxious. I do not want to have that large stone surgery again. Would appreciate any of your thoughts. Thank you.
Hi Sue, sorry for my delayed response, I somehow missed your comment when it was posted. Are you able to send me a direct message, if you’d still like further information? Melissa
Hi Sue, I’m glad to hear you’re free from UTI symptoms at the moment. We’re currently working on some content about estrogen and UTI, and we hope to publish that soon. If you’re interested in reading some studies on the topic, you can send me a message and I’ll share some links via email. Melissa
I have been struggling now with kidney pain, burning sensation while urinating, using the toilet more often than normal; first dip test was positive then all the lab results came back negative several time, white cells in my urine too. Tried different antibiotics and nothing’s worked so far. I am using a herbal remedy which seems to be helping the most, but i still have dull back pain and a slight burning sensation, due to go back to see a different GP. This problem really affects my daily routine as i am getting ready to join the army. Could anyone help me in any way? Any doctor/clinic? I live in Colchester, UK
Hi Adriana, sorry to hear you’re experiencing that. If you send me a message directly, I can share some information relevant to the UK. Melissa
Are there any UTI specialist located in Southern California? Orange County area?
Hi Penny, we have received a few recommendations for practitioners in California. Are you able to send me a direct message so I can share these with you? Melissa
Hi, I have reoccurring UTI’s and the tests often come back negative. Is there a UTI specialist in New York?
Hi Lila, at the moment we don’t know of any based in New York, however, there are a few in surrounding states, and a number who offer telemedicine. If you’d like more information, you can get in touch directly. Melissa
I thought for sure I had IC. Terrible pressure, symptoms came and went for a month. Urine tests negative. Went back to urologist and after a week he called to say the last test was sent out for culture. Came back positive for 3 different bacteria. Started of Levaquin, felt best I’ve felt in weeks. Today, day 6 of 7 day treatment, the pressure is back. I am freaked out. Any thoughts?
Hi Michele, it’s always best to discuss your symptoms with your doctor as there are a variety of reasons you could be experiencing this. Further testing and/or treatment may be required. If you like, you can send me a message with any other questions you have. Melissa
I’ve been suffering from recurring UTI for 20+ years. I usually get one every 3 months. I take antibiotics and drink an insane amount of water every day but they always wind up coming back. I’m 26 weeks pregnant and already had 3 UTIs and have had to take antibiotics each time. My results often come back negative but the antibiotics seem to resolve the symptoms for a few months at a time. I just started seeing a urologist but it’s sounding like she’s in the “you just have to live with this” camp. Hearing about the biofilms is very interesting. I’m wondering if there is a resource you can connect me with in Northern California? I’m really worried about taking all these antibiotics while pregnant. 🙁
Hi Eve, there are a few chronic UTI specialists based in California. Can you send me a message so I can share these with you? Melissa
I’ve been having chronic UTIs & painful bladder syndrome every time I’m sexually active, for over 10 years :(. I’m desperate. Are there any doctors in the Seattle,Washington area? Thank you!!
Hi Maria, I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing this. I see you’ve sent us a direct message and will respond there. Susy
Our community recently found e-coli in our water system and we were using boiled and bottled water for 9 days. Approximately 5-6 days after being notified that the water was “safe”, I developed extraordinary pubic pressure, urinary urgency and very little urinary output. I made a next-day appointment with my Dr but in the meanwhile did some research. I increased my water intake significantly to flush out my system, and my symptoms improved. I canceled the appointment, but the symptoms, while improved, have not entirely cleared. I also feel as if my bladder isn’t emptying completely. I’m seriously considering calling a urologist after reading how difficult these things can be to diagnose. (I believe I have cystitis). What do you recommend?
Hi Donna, a urologist may not be the best option – it depends whether they have experience (and an interest) in recurrent and chronic UTI. If you like, you can send me a direct message and let me know where you’re based. I may be able to share more information about chronic UTI specialists you can access. Melissa
Hi, I have had a few uti s in the past which cleared up easily with a few days of antibiotics, at the beginning of August I got a horrendous uti which landed me in hospital for 5 days, it doesn’t seem to have ever gone and now on my 6th round of antibiotics, all scans are clear and dr is giving me 3 month daily antibiotic. I am going to get the uromune vaccine as it seems to be producing good results, any advice on this?
Hi Lynn, most practitioners don’t specialize in diagnosing and treating recurrent UTI. You may need to keep looking for one who does. If you’d like help with that, you can send me a direct message. Melissa
Just curious to know if there are any doctors in the NYC area. I suffer with a chronic UTI- once a month, and I am willing to try anything at this point to fix my current issues.
Hi Gia, the closest practitioners in our network are those listed above in DC. There are also a few who may be able to provide appointments via telemedicine. If you’re interested in this option, you can send me a message directly. Melissa
Hi. My symptoms started about 5-6 weeks ago. This is the first UTI in many years. Long story short, the most recent urine culture showed Lactococcus & Enterococcus species. I was given 875mg Amoxicillin 2/day for 10 days. From time to time I get some relief but never entirely symptom- free. Today I finished the 10-day cause and feeling worse, the same pain in the pubic area, bloating, non-stop bathroom trips while passing small amounts of urine. Amoxicillin is supposed to target the bacteria showed up in the culture. It didn’t help me. Other symptoms are pain in the middle and left side of the back, chills at night. (I’ve fibromylagia & heniated discs.) Any thoughts and/or comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Jules
9/12/18
Hi Jules, there are a number of reasons treatment may be ineffective, including incorrect medication or insufficient duration (among others). We’ve covered some of the reasons in our info about the inaccuracy of standard testing and why UTIs can become chronic. I saw you also sent me an email, so I’ll send you some more info there. Melissa
Thank you so much Melissa!
You’re welcome 🙂
I have been plagued with recurrent UTIs for over 40 years. Are there any practitioners you can recommend in MN?
Hey there, I saw you sent me an email too, so I’ve responded to that with some more information. I hope it helps! Melissa
So I’ve been getting recurrent UTIs every 3 to 4 months and they keep giving me macrobid to treat the UTIs. I started getting chronic UTIs post partum. I had a very traumatic labor and I went to 2 urologist and both said having recurrent UTIs is more common postpartum. I live in the New York area and would like to see a specialist regarding this matter. I also take daily cranberry tablets as a preventive measure( recommended by md) I feel like I have UTI right now and I did the at home dipstick and it was positive for nitrites and negative for leukocytes (read the article the dipsticks aren’t as accurate) I’m on my 5th round of antibiotics now?! Please help!
Hi Chrissy, have you read our articles on recurrent UTI treatment approaches and testing alternatives? If you’re considering looking for a new practitioner, we may be able to provide some useful info by direct message. Melissa
Hi, I have had ongoing UTI symptoms since December 2017. I have had a total of 8 antibiotic courses ranging from 1-2 weeks. Only macrobid and co-amoxiclav had any effect though minor and short-lived. This is frustrating and really impacting on sleep – I am exhausted. I have tried hiprex, oregano oil, grapefruit extract, d-mannose and Chinese herbs at great cost. The only helpful thing we’re the herbs but my GP accused me of poisoning myself. I have seen 2 urologists but neither have helped and ic was mentioned. I know I have infection as 2 private 7 day cultures indicate this despite being labelled contaminated. Symptoms have changed from the usual to bloatjng with bladder and now urethra feeling inflamed. This is so frustrating, what do you suggest. I live in the UK.
Hi Jane, being based in the UK, you may have already considered seeing Professor Malone-Lee in London. If you haven’t read it, you might like to review a study released this year about the protocol used in that clinic. If you’re after any further resources, you can message me directly. Melissa
would also like info on uti’s and uterine prolapse
Hi Nancy, this is a topic that comes up quite a bit, so it’s definitely on our list of content to work on in the future. In the meantime, if you’d like to send me a direct message, I may be able to share further resources that could help. Melissa
I’ve been having UTI symptoms for almost 2 months. After taking 3 different antibiotics I never feel complete relief for more than maybe 24-48 hours. Is there anyone in Utah that could help me?
Hi Ashlie, at the moment we don’t have any practitioners on our list in Utah. The closest I believe would be Arizona, which isn’t exactly next door. There are a few specialists who provide appointments via telephone or skype. If you’d like more info on any of these options, you can send me a message directly. Melissa
Can I please have the info on the practitioner in Arizona. I have been suffering with uti’s from E. coli and just recently got one from a new bacteria.
Hi Maria, I see you’ve also sent me a direct message, so I’ll forward some info to you now. Melissa
I live in Arizona, too. I haven’t had a UTI in years, until now. Test was negative but symptoms come and go. I’m on day four of sulfameth/trimethoprim. Also taking probiotics and downing water and cranberry juice (just can’t give up my morning cup of joe). I’d like to know of Arizona practitioners as well. Thank you!
Hi Rosa, are you able to send us a direct message so I can provide further information via email? Melissa
Thank you so much for your site! I am not crazy! I am 30, never had urinary problems until recently, and was just diagnosed with interstitial cystitis after a 6 month battle with UTIs, starting with a bad case of e coli–I believe I’ve been misdiagnosed and that the infection just never went away. Because my cultures started coming back clean, but I kept having burning and urgency, they have slapped the IC label on me. I was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago but last week got terrible UTI symptoms again. My urologist thought I was just in denial about my IC, but agreed to do a culture, and his nurse called me yesterday and told me that there is e coli again. I’m absolutely ecstatic after finding the info on your website! I live in Virginia and will be calling the providers tomorrow. 🙂
Hi Jane, it’s so great to hear you were able to push for a better answer and reverse your IC diagnosis. We definitely have to be our own advocates in many cases! I’d love to hear how you get on, if you’re open to sharing. You can always send me a message directly. Good luck with your new approach! Melissa
My mother has recurrent uti from last 1 year in first urine culture e-coli is founded she is continued on antibiotic like pepracillin + tazobactum ampcillin + sulbactum meropenam fosfomysin and taking 1 tablet of nitrofurantion 100 mg daily but afterthat infection is recurring… 2 ultrasound and 1 ct scan had been done report are normal but after it infection is recurring please help me what i am to do
Hi Dheeraj, sorry to hear your mother is experiencing that. Are you able to send me a direct message with more information and your general location so I can share any resources that may be relevant? Melissa
Thank you for all the information you have gathered and provided for us. Although I now feel that my eyes have been opened for the first time after a decade of fighting recurring UTIs, at the same time I feel kind of hopeless, since I live in South-Eastern Europe. If you have any advice on how to get adequate testing and treatment in this part of the world, please let me know. All the best, M
Hi Martina, more advanced testing methods are available internationally by post, and there is a protocol used in the UK that does not require standard or advanced urine testing for a diagnosis. If you’d like more info, you can send me a message directly. Melissa
i have been treating a painful UTI for the last 6 weeks and my GP tested urine, said I had UTI, did culture, I have now taken six different abx but painful symptoms still persist. My home test strips {AZO} show positive forUTI. Today I went to a urologist who said urine showed no sign of infection ordered a ct scan, blood work and a cystoscopy. He thinks I have a pelvic floor dysfunction.. I’m 73, CDC positive for lyme disease and babesia. I’ve been on doxycycline for seven months, Mepron, Malarone and Azithromycin for parasites from the babesia. The urologist admits he knows nothing about lyme or babesia. I’m so depressed and in so much pain I don’t know what to do.
Hi Karen, you may have read our article about the inaccuracies of standard urine testing. It has left many people in a similar situation. I note you sent me an email too, so I’ll send you more information there. Space in comments is very limited. Melissa
Any practitioners in or near Houston Texas?
Hi Lisa, we are working to add to our practitioner network, but at the moment we are not in contact with any chronic UTI specialists in Houston. Some of those listed on our site are able to provide appointments via skype. If you’d like to get in touch directly, I can share a few suggestions. Melissa
I’m dealing with this issue with my 82 year old mother. She’s been treated for eight separate uti’s in the last year. This has been going on the last several years. She is widowed and not sexually active. She has been treated with prophylactics several times to no avail. Is there a doctor who specializes in treatment of recurrent uti in the Southern California area? We’ve seen three different urologists and I’ve not been too impressed with any of them. Thanks
I am dealing with the same thing with my Mom who is 83 and lives in Playa Vista. She is in the hospital as of 3 days ago after she fell when she got up to go to the bathroom and couldn’t stand up. Please let me know if you find anyone. Good Luck.
Hi Randi, so sorry to hear that. If you want to get in touch directly I can let you know any updates to our practitioner network. Melissa
Hi Lisa, at the moment we don’t have any practitioners in our network in Southern California – we’re working on it. It may be possible to request an appointment via telephone or skype with the specialists listed in the article above. You might also be interested in reading a study on a chronic UTI protocol used in the UK. It describes a protocol that can be implemented by any doctor if they are open to trying it. Melissa
I live in the Boise, Idaho area and have been suffering from chronic UTI’s since I got married last year. My UTI’s are from intercourse. I have been married a little over a year and these UTI’s are ruining my life. I keep getting put on short term antibiotics as well as post intercourse antibiotics and the infection always comes back no matter what I do about 48 hours after intercourse. I have been going to a Urologist specialist for a few months now. Please tell me there is a better way then just jumping to different antibiotics to different antibiotics. I have another appointment tomorrow, any advice or suggestions? Thank you so much for all the work you put into answering people back and for all the info.
Hi Nicolle, chronic UTI specialists may suggest testing the partner where UTIs seem to occur 24-48 hours after sex. It is possible for a partner to carry bacteria without experiencing symptoms. You may like to look into this or ask your practitioner. Our article about how infections can become chronic might also help explain it. As mentioned in the above article, chronic UTI specialists tend to take a longer term approach to treatment – it helps to work with a practitioner who has experience successfully treating chronic UTI. Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions. Melissa
Thank you for all this information! 20+ years of UTIs. Any specialists in Oregon or Washington state?
Hi Lori, we’re working on expanding our practitioner network but at the moment, no. You may be able to request an appointment via phone or Skype, so it could be worth reaching out to those listed above. We’ll add more options as we find them, and if you come across a practitioner you find helpful, please pass along their information to us! Melissa
Hi i have been getting this uti every month. Please advice. I have taken antibiotics every month. Going to all the doctors .No use ,
Hi Kavitha, most people we speak to say they have only been able to improve once they find a practitioner that specializes in chronic UTI and has experience treating it. Depending where you’re based, you may like to reach out to one of the practitioners listed above. You can also get in touch directly to give us a little more info – we may have additional resources that could help. Melissa
I asked a question yesterday but see you have replied to many comments today except mine. ? Feel free to respond to my question via email if you don’t want to publish it. Otherwise, I wonder whether these comments are generated by real people?
Hi Jane, I am indeed real, and that means I don’t always get to respond everyday. I will email you so I can share more resources. Melissa
Hi, I am looking for a specialist in the New York/New Jersey area. Thanks!
Hi Nicole, at the moment the closest practitioners in our network are those listed above, based in DC. We’re working on adding more. Some offer appointments by phone if that’s a better option for you. Melissa
What do you recommend as the best way for a local lab/medical practitioner to test for bladder lining biofilms, if the urine culture is negative? What are the steps that a lab needs to take in order to identify a bladder lining biofilm infection?
Hi Jane, that’s a complicated question, with an answer that is partly theoretical. I’ll send you an email, as per my other comment. Melissa
I have had UTI’s all my life. Recently, I have had two cultures (one the beginning of April and one currently) that have come back negative… is there a specialist in the San Antonio, Texas area for this issue? Thank you!
Hi Sue, a negative culture despite UTI symptoms is very common! You might have read our article about why this can happen. We don’t currently have any practitioners in our network in San Antonio, but we’re working on it. Melissa
I’m looking for a UTI specialist in Vancouver, BC, Canada (or cities around it, even if it’s a bit of a drive out). Thank you!
Hi Lexie, at the moment we don’t have any Vancouver based practitioners in our network, but if you’d like to get in touch via email I can share some ideas that may be useful. Melissa
I am a 33-year-old guy with a suprapubic catheter from breaking my neck in an accident. I am constantly living with infections. My teeth chatter, I constantly feel cold, depressed, my extremities tingle and so much more… When I feel terrible to the point that I can no longer take it or am having trouble staying alert or breathing, then I go to the ER where they culture my urine and give me the appropriate antibiotic a few days later. My life is literally miserable.I am infected or on antibiotics, one or the other. My doctor tells me I must live in the medium range of not feeling well nor feeling good because if I constantly take antibiotics, I will become resistant to them and be in even bigger trouble. Any suggestions?
Hi Keith, I just sent you an email with some more info and if I come across anything else that may be helpful, I’ll send it your way. Melissa
Hi, I am looking for a specialist in Boston. Thanks so much!
Hi there, at the moment we don’t know of any chronic UTI specialists based in Boston. Some of those listed in this article are able to provide appointments via phone, so you may want to reach out to them to discuss this option. If you’d like to chat about it further, feel free to get in touch with us directly. Melissa
Hello, I’m looking for a specialist in the Chicago area.Thank you.
Hi Jennifer, we are working hard to expand our practitioner network, but at the moment we do not know of any chronic UTI practitioners in Chicago. Ruth Kriz offers phone or skype appointments if you’re interested in reaching out. Feel free to email me if you have any other questions. Melissa
Hello! I am trying to reach you regarding getting help for 40 years of UTI’s but somehow the contact link isn’t working! Please help!
Hi Slade, I sent you an email back in March and have just forwarded it again. Perhaps check your spam folder? Melissa
I’m looking for a specialist in the Dallas area. Any recommendations?
I am also looking for a specialist in the Dallas area. Thanks.
Hi Margo, if you’d like to get in touch directly, I can share the info I have so far. Melissa
I am also in the Dallas area and in need of recommendations. I am in the midst of my 4th UTI since Christmas. All of them have been cultured and come back negative.
Hi Lanna, we’re working on adding practitioners to our network in Texas. If you want to get in touch directly, I can give you the info I have so far. Melissa
I’m also looking for someone in the Dallas or Houston area. I live in east Texas. Can you forward any suggestions? Thank you. Let’s get well!
Hi Claudia, I just sent you an email with more information. I hope it helps. Melissa
Hi Jessie, I sent you an email. Let me know if we can help further. Melissa
Just wanted to say thank you so much for this website, along with all of these resources. I have been fighting a UTI since the end of February and on my second course of antibiotics as the first turned out to be resistant. That news has really scared me and I am nervous as to if this second course will even work… but seeing all of the articles and reading some stories I found that other people go through it too. Thank you!
I’ve had a UTI that wont go away since May and the cultures keep coming back negative. But I have white blood cells in my urine. Go figure. Can you guys please suggest someone in Indiana area that deals with biofilms? I would be so greatful!
Hi Monica, a negative test result despite symptoms and white blood cells is way more common than you may think. The reason for this is often inaccurate testing. We’ve created an article explaining why you can’t rely on standard culturing, particular if you have recurrent infection. We don’t currently have any practitioners in our network in Indiana, but if you send me a direct message, I can provide some options that may be useful. Melissa
Thanks for the great feedback! I hope your current treatment is successful and we’d love to hear how you progress. You can reach me directly via our contact form if you’d like to keep in touch. Melissa