Recurrent UTIs in Women: Understanding and Prevention with the UTI Vaccine

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common infection in women – more than half will have at least one at some point in their lives.

For many, however, it’s not just a one-off…

When UTIs Keep Coming Back: Understanding Recurrent Infections

Up to 40% of women who experience a UTI will develop recurrent infections. This is medically defined as three or more within a year, or two or more in a six-month period. Women with recurrent UTIs experience a cycle of discomfort, frustration, and worry. Classic UTI symptoms include burning when you urinate, pelvic pain, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and frequent urination. This can disrupt your daily life, sleep, relationships, and overall well-being.

At The Health Suite in Leicester, we regularly support women in managing recurrent UTIs. For many, the current antibiotic treatment approach relies heavily on repeated courses of antibiotics. While this offers temporary relief, it does little to reduce the risk of infections returning.

Click here to Book the Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection UTI Vaccine in The Health Suite Leicester.

What Is the UTI Vaccine – and How Does It Work?

It’s a privately available, non-licensed immunotherapy currently under research for recurrent UTIs. Unlike traditional vaccines given by injection, this is administered via a sublingual spray. This means it’s administered under the tongue, once daily, for three months.

What makes it unique is its targeted, immune-boosting approach to reduce the risk of UTIs. The spray contains inactive strains of the four most common bacteria known to cause UTIs:

• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Proteus vulgaris
• Enterococcus faecalis

The vaccine exposes the immune system to these bacteria in a controlled way. This trains the body to recognise and defend against future UTIs.

Over time, this enhanced immune response may help reduce the number and severity of UTIs, and in many cases, prevent them altogether.

Emerging evidence is being reviewed on non-antibiotic approaches to recurrent UTI management, though these treatments are not currently licensed for general use in the UK. And because it doesn’t rely on antibiotics, it breaks the cycle of both resistance and recurrence.

Click here to book the Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection UTI Vaccine in The Health Suite Leicester.

What Causes Recurrent UTIs in Women?

For many years, healthcare providers linked UTIs to personal hygiene, and routinely advised practices like “wiping front to back.” While maintaining hygiene is important, current research shows that it plays only a minor role – and is far from the primary cause.

You can be incredibly hygienic and still experience common bacterial infections. That’s because the issue often lies deeper within the body’s own immune and anatomical systems. While UTIs can affect anyone, women are far more likely to experience them for several reasons.

The female anatomy makes it easier for bacteria (often E. coli) from the gastrointestinal tract to enter the urinary system. The shorter urethra in women means bacteria have a shorter path to the bladder. In most cases, the body’s natural defences clear these invaders. But in some women, the risk of developing infections is higher.

Click here to book the Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection UTI Vaccine in The Health Suite Leicester.

What causes this increased risk?

• Incomplete emptying of the bladder (common in older adults or people with certain neurological conditions)
• Changes in vaginal flora due to decreased oestrogen levels after menopause
• Frequent sexual activity which can increase the spread of bacteria
• Use of spermicides or diaphragms
• History of UTIs during childhood
• Genetic predisposition – some women naturally have urinary tracts more prone to bacterial colonisation

Appointments are available to discuss individual care plans with our clinical team.

When Antibiotics Stop Working: The Growing Threat of Resistance

But here’s the problem: the more frequently antibiotic therapy is used, the higher the chances of bacteria developing resistance. If you’ve ever taken antibiotics for a UTI and they stopped working, you know how concerning this increased risk can be. With antibiotic resistance on the rise, we’re entering a critical period where these treatments are no longer guaranteed to work. This makes prevention more important than ever.

While UTIs can affect women of all ages, they are especially common in postmenopausal women and older adults, and are a leading reason for antibiotic prescriptions in long-term care settings. But with the UTI Vaccine there’s new hope on the horizon. 

Who Can Benefit from the UTI Vaccine?

The UTI vaccine is primarily recommended for people who experience confirmed, recurring UTIs – meaning repeated infections that have been properly diagnosed.

If you’ve had recurring UTIs and traditional treatments haven’t provided lasting relief, this vaccine may be worth considering. It can form part of your long-term management plan.

What Does the Research Say?

Although the UTI vaccine is still unlicensed in the UK, it’s already available through select clinics, including here at The Health Suite in Leicester.

Early clinical studies have reported encouraging outcomes, including reduced UTI frequency in some participants. However, further research is ongoing and the treatment is not currently licensed for general use in the UK. The ongoing research continues to support its use as a safe and potentially effective option for those with chronic or recurrent UTIs.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Most people tolerate the UTI vaccine well. In some cases, mild side effects such as a rash, itching, or an upset stomach have been reported. These tend to be short-lived and manageable. As always, our clinicians will walk you through the risks, benefits, and whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment based on your health history and symptoms.

Supporting Your Recovery: Simple Lifestyle Tips That Can Help

While antibiotics are often necessary to treat a urinary tract infection, there are some practical steps you can take at home to help ease symptoms and support your recovery:

• Stay well hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to dilute your urine and encourages more frequent urination. This helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract more quickly.
• Avoid bladder irritants: During an active infection, try to steer clear of drinks that can irritate the bladder lining – including coffee, alcohol, citrus-based soft drinks, and anything caffeinated. These can worsen the urge to urinate or increase discomfort.
• Soothe with gentle heat: If you’re feeling pressure or discomfort in your lower abdomen, applying a warm (not hot) heating pad to your belly can offer some relief and help relax the muscles around the bladder. These small changes won’t cure a UTI on their own, but they can make a big difference in how you feel while your body and treatment work on resolving the infection.

Click here to book the Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection UTI Vaccine in The Health Suite Leicester.

Can Cranberry Juice Prevent UTIs?

Cranberry juice has long been a go-to remedy for those hoping to prevent urinary tract infections naturally, and there may be some truth behind the tradition. Some studies suggest that the effects of cranberry products (in juice or tablet form) may help prevent certain bacteria, particularly E. coli, from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.

This could, in theory, reduce the likelihood of infection taking hold. However, the scientific community is still divided. Clinical trials into cranberry juice UTI prevention remain ongoing, and results so far have been mixed, so it’s not a guaranteed solution.

Cranberry Pills for UTI

For some, cranberry extract tablets may be a more effective or convenient option than juice, as they offer a concentrated dose without the added sugars or acidity. That said, drinking cranberry juice is generally safe for most people, and if you feel it helps, there’s little harm in continuing – just be mindful of the sugar and calorie content in commercial juices.

Important note: If you’re taking blood-thinning medication, cranberry extract may interfere with your medication and should be avoided. Always check with your GP or pharmacist before starting any new supplement or remedy.

At The Health Suite in Leicester, we encourage an evidence-based approach, and while cranberry can be part of a broader wellness routine, it’s not a replacement for medical treatment or prevention strategies like the UTI vaccine.

Taking Control of Recurrent UTIs

Living with recurrent urinary tract infections can be exhausting, physically, emotionally, and mentally. But advances like the UTI vaccine may offer new options for reducing recurrence over time, reducing reliance on antibiotics, and promoting a better quality of life.

If you’re struggling with recurrent UTIs, speak to a healthcare professional at The Health Suite to explore available treatment options with care, clarity and clinical expertise.

Click here to book the Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection UTI Vaccine in The Health Suite Leicester.

UTI vaccine was also mentioned in an article in the Telegraph and Metro.

Common Q&A about Recurrent UTIs in Women