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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – More than half of U.S. women will experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetimes, while a quarter will have recurring infections, defined as two infections in six months or three in a year.
Despite the prevalence of the painful condition, women are fearful and frustrated with limited treatment options, according to Cedars-Sinai research published in the Journal of Urology.
Women who participated in the study were critical of healthcare providers for failing to understand their experiences while over-prescribing antibiotics as a treatment option.
“We were inspired to conduct the study due to the large number of women coming to us feeling hopeless and helpless when it came to the management of their UTIs,” said lead author Victoria Scott, MD, a urologist at the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery clinic at Cedars-Sinai.
To help give voice to those suffering with recurrent urinary tract infections, researchers led a focus group study of 29 women who experienced recurrent UTIs to learn about gaps in their care management. UTIs are an infection in any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder or the urethra.
One of the biggest concerns expressed by study participants revolved around the frequent prescribing of antibiotics and the potential adverse and long-term effects of the medication.
“Many of the participants were aware of the risks of bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics,” Scott said.
“They also were aware of the ‘collateral damage’ of antibiotics and disruption they can have on the normal balance of good and bad bacteria inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract.”
The focus group discussions also reported concern with the medical system and lack of dedicated research efforts to investigate new non-antibiotic management strategies.
Participants voiced frustration and resentment toward their medical providers for “throwing antibiotics” at them without presenting alternative options for treatment and prevention, and for not understanding their experience. In addition, many women described seeking advice from herbalists and acupuncture practitioners, as well as from peers in online forums and chatrooms.
Treatment and Prevention
Although studies show that antibiotics are often the most effective treatment option for urinary tract infections, research also shows that up to 40% of bladder infections clear up with non-prescription steps that can include water and pain relief medications such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Among steps women can take to avoid a urinary tract infection are drinking water, taking probiotics or a low-dose antibiotic after sexual intercourse, and using vaginal estrogen for those who are postmenopausal.
While over-the-counter treatments are preferred by many, Scott recommends seeing a doctor if a fever develops or symptoms persist beyond a day, as antibiotic therapy can be crucial when used appropriately to stop an infection from spreading to the bladder and kidneys.
“Antibiotics are amazing drugs and in certain settings are lifesaving,” Scott said. “There are absolutely some instances in which antibiotics are necessary, but it’s also important for women to be educated to all their options.”
Those who experience recurrent urinary tract infections should seek care by a specialist who may need to perform a kidney ultrasound or a cystoscopy, which uses a small camera that can be inserted into the urethra to give a view of the bladder to rule out anatomic abnormalities.
Scott notes that while less common, men also can experience urinary tract infections, and the same treatment options would apply.
Improving Care
Some healthcare providers might not think that a single episode of a urinary tract infection could have a significant impact on a patient’s life. But when UTIs recur, often without warning, they can have a negative impact on social life, work, families and relationships.
The study recommended that physicians modify management strategies to address women’s concerns and to devote more research to improving non-antibiotic options for prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections, as well as management strategies that better empower patients.
“I hope people understand that more often than not, it’s nothing they’re doing. UTIs are a very common problem,” Scott said. “If you are experiencing recurrent UTIs I encourage you to connect with a doctor to work together to learn more and strategize a plan.”
Read more from the Cedars-Sinai Blog: A Dose of Facts – Counteracting Common Myths about Antibiotics