Urinary tract infection - chronic or recurrent

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Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Vesicoureteral reflux

Voiding cystourethrogram

UTI - chronic or recurrent

Keeping your genital area clean may reduce the chances of introducing bacteria through the urethra. Wipe the genital area from front to back to reduce the chance of "dragging" bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Increasing your intake of fluids may allow urination to flush out the bacteria from the bladder.

Refraining from urinating for long periods of time can give bacteria time to multiply. If you are prone to urinary tract infections, urinate frequently to reduce the risk of developing cystitis.

Long-term use of prophylactic (preventative) antibiotics may be recommended for some people who are prone to chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections.

Review Date: 11/07/2005
Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB) Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.