You may have a urinary tract infection (UTI) if you experience symptoms like a strong, persistent urge to urinate, burning during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain. Red flags for a more serious infection include fever, back / flank pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when you have two or more episodes in six months or three or more episodes in 12 months. UTIs are infections that affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, and kidneys.

UTIs are one of the most common infections in women, with as many as one in two women experiencing at least one UTI in their lifetime. About one in five women between the ages of 20 to 65 may have at least one attack per year, and three per cent of these cases may turn into chronic recurrent UTIs.

Most UTIs are caused by bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally live in the intestines. As women have a shorter urethra and closer proximity of the urethra to the anus, there is an increased risk of bacterial transfer compared to men. 

The risk of UTIs could be further increased if you have frequent sexual intercourse, if there you are experiencing hormonal fluctuations (e.g. on birth control pills, during menopause), or if you have conditions such as diabetes, kidney stones or an impaired immune system.

Recurrent infections could mean repeated courses of antibiotic use, which could lead to antibiotic resistance, making future UTIs harder to treat. In addition, frequent infections could also lead to increased inflammation and scarring of the urinary tract, increasing the risk of complications such as kidney infections and chronic pain.

Tips for Prevention:

• Drink plenty of water. Staying well-hydrated helps dilute urine and ensures you urinate more frequently, which helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract
• Urinate as soon as you feel the need. Holding urine can encourage bacterial growth in the bladder.
• Pass urine after sexual intercourse.
• Always wipe from front to back.
• While the evidence is limited, taking probiotics is generally safe and might help prevent infections.

Urinary tract infections are never normal. If you're experiencing symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, or a sensation of incomplete voiding, it's important to seek medical advice to prevent potential complications, such as kidney infections or chronic pain.

It is also important to take note that infections that ascend beyond the bladder, into the kidneys are potentially life-threatening and need to be treated with urgency. 

Keep an eye out for red flag symptoms that might show up, like:

• Blood in your urine
• Back, flank or loin pain
• Fever

In the presence of any of the above symptoms, it is imperative that you seek emergency medical care. Getting the right help can make all the difference!