Recurrent and Chronic UTI

What Are Frequent UTIs and How Can You Tackle Them?

If you are struggling with urinary tract infections (UTIs) that keep coming back, you're not alone. There is a difference between recurrent and chronic UTIs, and effective UTI treatment begins with identification of the root cause.

What is a Recurrent UTI?

Ever had a UTI that keeps coming back? That's a recurrent UTI. It happens when the urinary tract gets infected repeatedly, either by the same or a different organism. If you've had three or more UTIs in a year or two in six months, this might be your issue. Sometimes, the antibiotics you're taking might not fully clear the infection, leading to another UTI​​.

What is a Chronic UTI?

Chronic UTIs, or chronic cystitis, are a bit different. They're caused by bacterial biofilms in the bladder. You can think of biofilms as protective shields that bacteria create to defend themselves against antibiotics or your immune system. These biofilms can be tough to detect with standard tests and might not always show clear symptoms​​.

How to Determine If You Have a Recurrent or Chronic UTI

Knowing your body is key. If your UTI symptoms keep returning or you're facing multiple UTIs a year, start by keeping a bladder diary, noting down your symptoms and any patterns you observe. It's like your personal health journal! This personal record can offer valuable insights for you and a healthcare provider.

Additionally, testing is also key. This can include screening for sexually transmitted infections (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, which can present symptoms similar to a UTI. Advanced UTI testing, like the UTI PCR test provided by MyUTI, can pinpoint the specific bacteria that may be causing trouble. This way, you get the right treatment without the guesswork.

The MyUTI Test

The MyUTI test uses PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology, which can pinpoint the exact cause of your infection. This advanced test identifies specific pathogens, including some that urine culture tests might miss.

PCR UTI testing is also a much more accurate and precise tool than urinalysis test strips (like those used at urgent care). Urinalysis urine test strips are only accurate 30% of the time and can only show signs of infection not the germ causing a UTI. PCR UTI testing is particularly useful if you're experiencing frequent UTIs, as it can detect a variety of organisms and their resistance to antibiotics​​.