Recurring Urinary Tract Infections in women

Abstract

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in women and can occur at any age. When recurrent, they negatively impact quality of life, affecting both young women and older adults with risk factors.
Non-antibiotic prophylactic strategies or the continuous use of low-dose antibiotics are among the treatment options.

Objectives: To analyze the causes of recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) in women and to review appropriate preventive measures, both non-antibiotic and antibiotic, aimed at reducing recurrence.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted through a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Cochrane, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2008 and 2024.

Results: Evidence is presented regarding the main types of urinary tract infections in women, both uncomplicated and complicated, as well as appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological preventive measures.

Conclusions: The management of RUTIs requires an individualized approach, including prior urinalysis and active patient involvement in therapeutic decision-making. Given concerns about bacterial resistance, general non-antibiotic measures should be prioritized before prophylaxis