Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Women: An Update
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) is a significant public health problem in women. General measures to prevent recurrence include behavioral changes and increased fluid intake, cranberry ingest, use of methenamine hippurate, antibiotic prophylaxis, D-mannose, probiotics, or vaccines. We conducted a literature review of the latest updates on preventing rUTI in December 2024. The search concluded with 27 articles that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Our review demonstrated that behavioral changes such as correct genital hygiene, avoiding postponing micturition or defecation, urinating after sexual intercourse, and ingesting 1.5–2 L of water could prevent rUTI. The ingestion of cranberries reduces the risk of symptomatic, culture-verified urinary tract infections in women with rUTIs. Methenamine hippurate is an alternative to antibiotics to avoid rUTI. Estrogen reduces rUTI in women with hypoestrogenism. Limited evidence supports using D-mannose, probiotics, and vaccines to prevent rUTI. In conclusion, after successful treatment of the acute episode, preventative measures are needed to reduce rUTI frequency and morbidity according to each patient’s characteristics and preferences.
Source: Microbiology Research
Authors: Elizabeth Corrales-Acosta, Eulalia Cuartiella Zaragoza, Mar Monzó Pérez, Sheila Benítez Perdomo, Juan Guillermo Corrales-Riveros, Mariela Corrales
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,930
OpenAlex ID: W4408330735