2026-03-25 · 6 min read
The self-medication trap
Taking a leftover antibiotic for three days relieves symptoms but often does not clear the infection. It also breeds resistant bacteria, so the next episode is harder to treat. Always get a urine culture before starting treatment where possible.
Recurrent UTI has a reason
Three or more infections in a year is not bad luck. Look for:
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Stones in the bladder or kidney
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Prostate enlargement in men
- Menopausal changes in women
Prevention that works
Regular fluids, not holding urine, passing urine after intercourse, controlling blood sugar and treating the underlying cause prevent far more infections than any long antibiotic course.
Information on this website is for patient education only and does not replace an in-person consultation. Treatment results vary between individuals and no outcome is guaranteed.