Recurrent UTIs are when you have two or more infections in six months or three or more in a year. They can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but there are ways to prevent and manage them.

• Burning or pain when urinating

• Urgent or frequent need to urinate

• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine

• Blood in the urine

• Lower abdominal pain or discomfort

• In older people: confusion or feeling generally unwell

• Bacteria from the bowel entering the bladder (often after sex or wiping from back to front)

• Not fully emptying the bladder

• Vaginal dryness after menopause

• Hormonal changes

• Urinary tract abnormalities

• Catheter use

• Diabetes or immune conditions

This can happen for several reasons – from hormonal changes and bladder habits to anatomy or underlying health conditions. A careful review can help identify any patterns or contributing factors.

Not necessarily. While antibiotics are helpful during an active infection, there are non-antibiotic prevention strategies that can reduce the number of infections over time.

In most cases, they are not dangerous but can be very disruptive. Occasionally, untreated infections can lead to kidney problems, so it is important to manage them well and seek help early.