Health Conditions

Individuals who suffer from multiple UTIs (whether uncomplicated or complicated) in a short period of time may be experiencing recurrent UTIs. Recurrent UTIs are classified as either a reinfection or a relapse.

A reinfection is a UTI that occurs more than 2 weeks after antibiotic treatment of the original UTI is completed; it may be caused by the same bacteria as the original infection or a different one. The following are risk factors for reinfection:

• Having frequent sexual intercourse
• Use of a diaphragm or spermicide
• History of 2 or more recurrent UTIs over a 6-month period or 3 or more UTIs over a year
• Having the first UTI before age 15
• Having a mother with a history of UTIs
• Low estrogen level (in females)

A relapse is a UTI caused by the same bacteria as the original UTI that occurs within 2 weeks after the individual has completed antibiotic treatment. Relapse may be due to any of the following:

• Antibiotic resistance (bacteria become resistant to an antibiotic so the drug no longer works)
• Incorrect antibiotic use (for example, not taking the antibiotic exactly as prescribed, or discontinuing the antibiotic early rather than completing the full treatment as prescribed)
• Wrong choice of antibiotic by the prescribing health care provider
• Being at risk for a complicated UTI, as discussed earlier

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  Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.