What you need to know about urinary tract infections
New study finds women who experience recurrent UTIs are unhappy with
limited management options for the painful condition

Date:
October 1, 2021
Source:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Summary:
More than half of U.S. women will experience at least one urinary
tract infection (UTI) in their lifetimes, while a quarter will
have a subsequent infection. Recurrent urinary tract infections
are defined as two or more infections in six months or three or
more in a year.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Despite the prevalence of the painful condition, women are fearful and frustrated with limited management 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. UTIs are infections of any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys,
ureters, bladder or the urethra. The term is most commonly used to
describe a bladder infection.

One of the biggest concerns expressed by study participants revolved
around the frequent prescribing of antibiotics and fears of 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 throughout the body."
The focus group discussions also reported concern with the medical
system and limited 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 can be cleared
with non-prescription steps that can include increased water intake and
pain relief medications such as ibuprofen.

Taking these steps when UTI symptoms initially develop and urine test
results are pending can be important for avoiding unnecessary antibiotics
and ensuring that appropriate antibiotics are prescribed when needed.

Among steps women can take to avoid a urinary tract infection are drinking water, taking cranberry supplements 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 for some infections to ensure they
don't spread from the bladder to the 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 regarding all
their options." Those who experience recurrent urinary tract infections
should seek evaluation by a specialist. Some women will benefit from
undergoing a kidney ultrasound or a cystoscopy, which uses a small camera
that can be inserted into the urethra to give a view of the urethra and
bladder to rule out anatomic abnormalities.

Scott notes that while less common, men also can experience urinary
tract infections.

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.

"Unfortunately, we see many women who blame themselves for developing
UTIs.

It's important to understand that UTIs are a very common problem
and should not invoke shame" Scott said. "If you are experiencing
recurrent UTIs I encourage you to connect with a doctor who specializes
in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery to work together
to come up with individualized prevention and management strategies." ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Cedars-Sinai_Medical_Center. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Victoria C. S. Scott, Lauren W. Thum, Taylor Sadun, Melissa
Markowitz,
Sally L. Maliski, A. Lenore Ackerman, Jennifer T. Anger, Ja-Hong
Kim.

Fear and Frustration among Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract
Infections: Findings from Patient Focus Groups. Journal of Urology,
2021; 206 (3): 688 DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000001843 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211001130256.htm

--- up 4 weeks, 1 day, 8 hours, 25 minutes
* Origin: -=> Castle Rock BBS <=- Now Husky HPT Powered! (1:317/3)