Recurrent urinary tract infections: from pathogenesis to prevention.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review summarizing preventive strategies for recurrent urinary tract infections without systematic review methodology.
PubMed 32561190 · doi:10.1016/j.medcli.2020.04.026
What was done
This narrative review summarizes preventive approaches for recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs) in women. It evaluates antibiotic regimens (continuous and postcoital prophylaxis) alongside non-antibiotic measures, including hygiene modifications, vitamin D, cranberry/blueberries, D-mannose, probiotics, estrogens, vaccines, and intravesical instillations.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical findings, effect sizes, or statistical results. It notes that while multiple prevention options exist across antibiotic and non-antibiotic categories, they are supported by varying levels of evidence that are often of poor quality.
Why it matters
Recurrent UTIs drive substantial morbidity, healthcare costs, and antibiotic utilization. Outlining non-antibiotic alternatives helps frame stewardship efforts, but robust comparative data remain necessary.
Limits
The abstract describes a broad narrative review rather than a systematic review or meta-analysis. No specific sample sizes, trial counts, risk estimates, or quantitative outcomes are reported.
Cited by
- supports Post-coital UTIs in women result from sexual thrusting mechanically pushing external bacteria into the bladder through the short female urethra.