This guide will help you to know what to expect as you work with your healthcare team to manage and prevent recurrent lower urinary tract infections, also called recurrent UTIs. Recurrent means that something happens again and again. A recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) means you have 2 or more UTIs in the last 6 months or 3 or more UTIs in the last 12 months.

The information in this guide is for adults (18 years of age and older) with female urinary systems who have recurrent lower UTIs and would benefit from learning about ways to help prevent them.

For information about UTIs for other groups, see:

• children
• female teens
• male teens
• adult males

You will have your own unique journey with recurrent UTIs. How you move through your journey, the number of visits with your healthcare team, the steps you will take, and the order you take them in will depend on your needs. You will make decisions in partnership with your healthcare team. Always talk with your healthcare team and follow their recommendations for your specific care.

What is a recurrent lower urinary tract infection ​(UTI)?

The urinary system is the connected set of organs and tubes that process and carry pee (urine) out of your body. The upper urinary tract includes the kidneys and ureters. The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and urethra.

A lower urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the lower urinary tract caused by bacteria. Most urinary tract infections, also called UTIs, happen in the lower urinary tract.

Symptoms of a UTI might include:

• burning feeling when you pee (urinate)
• feeling like you have to urinate often
• feeling like you have to urinate right away when you get the urge
• fever or chills
• leaking urine (incontinence) that is new or worse
• pain in your lower belly (abdomen) or back
• blood in your pee

Some people get lower urinary tract infections often. You have recurrent lower urinary tract infections if you have had 2 or more lower urinary tract infections in the last 6 months or 3 or more in the last 12 months.

Whole-person health

The whole-person health approach will help you and your healthcare team better manage your health condition.

Whole-person health draws from the teachings of the medicine wheel. It means thinking about all parts of your health and wellness:

• physical
• financial and social
• emotional
• spiritual

These parts are all connected and impact each other. It’s important to be aware of your personal needs in each part and to share that information with your healthcare team. Your healthcare team needs to understand who you are and what matters to you.

These parts are all connected and impact each other. It’s important to be aware of your personal needs in each part and to share that information with your healthcare team. Your healthcare team needs to understand who you are and what matters to you. Here are some examples of things you may want to talk about with your healthcare provider:

• “I find myself avoiding sex because I’m worried it will trigger a painful UTI.” (physical)
• “I’m not sure how I will pay for my medications this month.” (financial and social)
• “I feel frustrated that my urinary tract infections keep coming back.” (emotional)

Support and resources

• If you need a family doctor or clinic accepting new patients near you, visit Alberta Find a Provider.
• If you need a translator, let your healthcare provider know.
• If you need health advice any time, day or night, call Health Link at 811.
• If you need to find programs and services in your community, call or text 211 or visit 211 Alberta.