You can boost your vaginal bacteria

As with your mouth and gut, the microbial make-up of your vagina may play a bigger role in our health than previously thought and when it comes to UTIs, they might determine whether or not we keep getting recurrent infections. “For some women, maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome is one of the key things in preventing repeated infections because that’s often the underlying source,” says Dr Malde.

“You can boost the healthy vaginal microbiome with probiotics, either taken orally or directly in the vagina. There are many different types, and while none have been studied against each other to know if one is better, any vaginal probiotic can help,” he says.

If probiotic pills and creams as a preventative for UTIs don’t quite sound like your bag, he says that what you munch on throughout the day can also play a big role in what your vaginal microbiome looks like. “Dietary probiotics or prebiotics from natural, fermented foods are definitely a good way to maintain the gut microbiome, which could help with vaginal health too.”

Try Hiprex instead of antibiotics

Antibiotics can be a handy short-term fix for women with UTIs. But if you keep getting recurrent infections, the bacteria can start outwitting your body in what’s known as antimicrobial resistance. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to thrush and can cause damage to the careful balance of bacteria that are living in your gut. Dr Malde says asking your GP for a Hiprex prescription could be a great solution.

“Hiprex, also known as methenamine hippurate, is a very good way to avoid antibiotic use,” says Dr Malde. “It’s a prescription-based supplement that works as a urinary antiseptic, clearing bacteria from the bladder without the side effects of antibiotics. It’s equally as effective as daily antibiotics but without the negative effects like thrush or gastrointestinal problems. Plus, it helps maintain the healthy microbiome, which antibiotics often disrupt.”

“I’m a urologist and these are the 6 things every woman should know about dealing with repetitive UTIs”