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Recurring UTIs: Causes, Treatment & How to Prevent Urinary Infections

Prof. Dr. Sandeep Gupta

Prof. Dr. Sandeep Gupta, MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology)

October 20, 2026 • 5 Min Read

Recurring UTIs: Causes, Treatment & How to Prevent Urinary Infections

A burning feeling every time you pass urine. A constant urge to go, even when little comes out. Cloudy or strong-smelling urine. And just when it settles, it comes back again.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections we treat, especially in women. Kolkata's hot, humid summers, long commutes with limited access to clean toilets, and not drinking enough water can all make them more likely.

A single UTI is usually easy to treat. But when infections keep coming back, it is important to find out why. This guide from the urology team at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital explains UTI symptoms, causes, treatment and how to prevent repeat infections.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A UTI is an infection anywhere in the urinary system: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from the bowel entering the urethra and travelling up into the bladder.

  • Bladder infection (cystitis) is the most common type
  • Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is more serious and needs prompt treatment

Why Are UTIs More Common in Women?

Women have a shorter urethra than men, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder. The urethra is also close to the anus. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after menopause can further increase the risk.

UTIs in men are less common and are more often linked to an underlying problem, such as an enlarged prostate or a stone, so men with a UTI should always be checked by a doctor.

Common UTI Symptoms

Bladder infection

  • Burning or pain while passing urine
  • A frequent, urgent need to pass urine
  • Passing small amounts of urine often
  • Cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine
  • Lower belly discomfort
  • Blood in the urine

Kidney infection: seek care the same day

  • High fever with chills
  • Pain in the back or side, below the ribs
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling very unwell

Kidney infections need urgent treatment. BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital offers 24×7 emergency care on +91 82769 79994.

What Causes UTIs?

  • Not drinking enough water, especially in hot weather
  • Holding urine for long periods
  • Sexual activity
  • Poor hygiene, or wiping from back to front
  • Diabetes, especially when blood sugar is not well controlled
  • Pregnancy and menopause
  • Kidney or bladder stones
  • An enlarged prostate in men
  • Use of a urinary catheter

What Is a Recurrent UTI?

A UTI is called recurrent when you have two or more infections in six months, or three or more in a year. Recurrent UTIs deserve a proper evaluation rather than repeated courses of antibiotics without investigation.

Repeated self-treatment with leftover or over-the-counter antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes future infections much harder to treat.

How Is a UTI Diagnosed?

  • Urine routine test to look for signs of infection
  • Urine culture to identify the exact bacteria and the antibiotics that will work against it
  • Blood tests, including blood sugar and kidney function
  • Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, especially for recurrent UTIs, to look for stones, blockage or urine left behind after passing urine
  • Further tests, such as a CT scan or cystoscopy, in selected cases

UTI Treatment

For a simple UTI

  • A course of antibiotics chosen by your doctor, ideally guided by the urine culture
  • Plenty of fluids
  • Medicines to relieve pain and burning

Always complete the full course, even if you feel better after a day or two.

For recurrent UTIs

The focus is on finding and fixing the cause. Depending on what your urologist finds, treatment may include:

  • Treating stones, blockages or an enlarged prostate
  • Better control of diabetes
  • A preventive plan tailored to you, which may include medicines for a period of time
  • Hormonal treatment for some women after menopause

How to Prevent UTIs

  • Drink enough water through the day, more in summer, so your urine stays pale
  • Do not hold urine for long; pass urine when you feel the urge
  • Pass urine soon after intercourse
  • Wipe from front to back
  • Wear breathable cotton underwear
  • Avoid harsh soaps, douches and scented products in the genital area
  • Keep blood sugar well controlled if you have diabetes
  • Avoid taking antibiotics without a prescription

Urology Care at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital

Urology care at BK Aditya is led by Prof. Dr. Sandeep Gupta (MBBS, MS, MCh Urology). We offer:

  • Evaluation and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Urine culture, blood tests and ultrasound under one roof
  • Kidney stone treatment and laser surgery
  • Diagnosis and treatment of enlarged prostate
  • Minimally invasive, laparoscopic and endoscopic urological surgery
  • 24×7 emergency care

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a UTI go away on its own?

A very mild bladder infection sometimes settles, but most UTIs need antibiotics. Untreated infections can spread to the kidneys, so it is best to see a doctor.

How long does a UTI take to clear with treatment?

Most simple UTIs improve within 2 to 3 days of starting the right antibiotic. If symptoms do not improve, or you develop a fever, see your doctor again.

Why do I keep getting UTIs?

Common reasons include not drinking enough water, holding urine, diabetes, menopause-related changes, stones or problems with bladder emptying. A urologist can find the cause.

Is cranberry juice good for UTIs?

Evidence is mixed. It may help some women prevent infections, but it does not treat an active UTI and is not a substitute for medical care.

Which doctor should I see for repeated UTIs in Kolkata?

For recurrent UTIs, a urologist is the right specialist to find the underlying cause. You can consult our urology team at BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital in Satgachi, Kolkata.

Stop the Cycle of Repeat Infections

Recurrent UTIs affect your work, sleep and peace of mind. A proper evaluation can find the cause and help you stay infection-free.

To book a consultation with our urology team, call +91 82769 79994 or visit BK Aditya Multispeciality Hospital, 2nd Floor, Satgachi Rd, Notun Pally, Satgachi, Kamardanga, Kolkata 700074.

This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.

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