Recurrent Bladder Infections

Recurrent bladder infections are bladder infections (mostly in women) that repeatedly return despite treatment that was previously thought successful. Bladder infections are UTIs (urinary tract infections) that occur as a result of bacterial colonization of the bladder.

What Are The Characteristics and Symptoms of Bladder Infections?

Bacteria that cause UTIs can originate in the anal or vaginal areas, and then spread to the urinary tract. Symptoms of UTIs may include:

• A frequent urge to urinate, which may recur immediately after the bladder is emptied.
• A painful burning sensation.
• Bloating, discomfort, or pressure in the lower abdomen.
• Cramps in the back or pelvic region
• Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
• Fever (occasionally)

Who Is Most Likely To Have This Condition?

You may be at risk for recurrent bladder infections if:

• You have structural abnormalities of the urinary tract.
• You use spermicides or a diaphragm
• You fail to practice good hygiene.
• You have not completed a full course of antibiotics for previous infections.
• You have generally lowered immunity.
• You have low estrogen levels.
• You have stones in the urinary tract

What Are The Treatment Options for Recurrent Bladder Infections?

Medication Treatment:

A long-term course of antibiotic treatment may be tried using fluoroquinolones (such as Cipro or Levaquin), ampicillin or amoxicillin, or Bactrim (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). However, if there is an underlying structural abnormality, this may not provide a cure.

Surgery:

What Does Surgery for Recurrent Bladder Infections Involve?

When other options fail, surgery is an excellent choice for treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections. Either a structural defect is corrected, or, if stones in the urinary tract are present, they can be destroyed using lithotripsy (see “Kidney Stones”). For a structural abnormality of the ureter (which causes a condition known as vesicoureteral reflux), ureteral reimplantation is the surgery of choice.

What Are The Advantages Of Surgery?

When recurrent bladder infections are refractory to other treatments, surgery provides a more permanent correction to the problem.

How Long Does It Take?

This is dependent on the individual treatment option chosen. Consult your physician.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Usually, for surgery, one treatment is sufficient.

When Will I See Results?

You should start to see results after a reasonable healing period from surgery is complete.

What Are My Alternatives?

The alternatives to surgery have been described above.

Will I Have Pain?

Anesthetic is used during the procedure, so pain should not be a major issue. As the anesthetic wears off, there may be slight post-operative pain.

When Can I Go Back To Work Or School?

You may return to work or school usually within days to a week after the procedure.

Who Will Perform My Treatment?

The surgery will be performed by one of our highly-trained urologists.

How Much Does It Cost?

Please call TopSurgeons at 800-506-8084 for more information.

Will My Insurance Cover?

Most insurance companies will cover these procedures. However, you should check with your individual insurer.