Drs Sara and Lisa tackle another urology topic today - recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in non-pregnant women. They speak to Ian Pearce who is a consultant urologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary. They discuss what UTIs are, and what makes them recurrent vs relapsing. They also chat through how to assess someone with recurrent UTIs and highlight some of the risk factors, before talking about the red flags for more sinister causes.

The management options for recurrent UTIs are also covered, from conservative options to medications, including a detailed dive into antibiotic prophylaxis. They also get Ian’s opinions on who to refer to urology.

Useful resources: 

Conservative management tips: Bladder and Bowel Community UK: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/bladder-treatments/urinary-tract-infection-treatments/

NICE Recurrent UTI Guidelines (Published Oct 2018): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng112

Guidelines in Practice: The diagnosis and management of uncomplicated recurrent urinary tract infection (March 2019): https://www.guidelines.co.uk/urology/uncomplicated-recurrent-uti-guideline/454623.article

GMMMG Antibiotic Prescribing Guidelines (last updated Oct 2021): https://gmmmg.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/GM-Antimicrobial-guidelines-OCT-2021-v10.0.pdf

BMJ article: Methenamine hippurate for recurrent urinary tract infections, published on 9/3/22 (after episode was recorded): https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o533

___

We really want to make these episodes relevant and helpful: if you have any questions or want any particular areas covered then contact us on Twitter @PCKBpodcast, or leave a comment on our really quick anonymous survey here: https://pckb.org/feedback

____

This podcast has been made with the support of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, GP Excellence, Greater Manchester Training Hub and the GP Fellowship Programme, as well as Wigan Borough CCG. Given that it is recorded with Greater Manchester clinicians, the information discussed may not be applicable elsewhere and it is important to consult local guidelines before making any treatment decisions. 

The information presented is the personal opinion of the healthcare professional interviewed and might not be representative to all clinicians. It is based on their interpretation of current best practice and guidelines when the episode was recorded. Guidelines can change; To the best of our knowledge the information in this episode is up to date as of it’s release but it is the listeners responsibility to review the information and make sure it is still up to date when they listen.

Dr Lisa Adams, Dr Sara MacDermott and their interviewees are not liable for any advice, investigations, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or products listeners might pursue as a result of listening to this podcast - it is the clinicians responsibility to appraise the information given and review local and national guidelines before making treatment decisions. Reliance on information provided in this podcast is solely at the listeners risk.

The podcast is designed to be used by trained healthcare professionals for education only. We do not recommend these for patients or the general public and they are not to be used as a method of diagnosis, opinion, treatment or medical advice for the general public. Do not delay seeking medical advice based on the information contained in this podcast. If you have questions regarding your health or feel you may have a medical condition then promptly seek the opinion of a trained healthcare professional.