UTIs happen. They happen so often that an estimated 50 to 60 percent of all women will experience a urinary tract infection in their lifetime¹. And for some of us, UTIs can become a chronic, recurrent issue.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, “Recurrent UTI is typically defined as three or more UTIs within 12 months, or two or more occurrences within six months.” If you are facing chronic or recurrent UTIs, know that you are not alone. There are so many women struggling with UTI pain in their daily life. In fact, for 25 to 30 percent of women who experience a UTI, the infection returns in less than 6 months².

With all of this knowledge, the big question still remains… why do some of us women experience these chronic UTIs? And is there anything that can be done to help? 

What factors can contribute to chronic urinary tract infections? 

Lifestyle Factors

There are a variety of lifestyle factors that can affect your urinary health, including the products you regularly use. Vaginal douches, spermicides and certain antibiotics can all affect your vagina’s bacterial makeup, which can increase your risk of developing a UTI. 

Menopause

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause, including a decline in estrogen, can alter your vaginal pH. This makes women who are going through or have gone through menopause much more susceptible to recurrent UTIs. 

Medical Conditions

There are a variety of medical conditions that can increase your risk for chronic UTIs, including urinary retention and kidney stones³. Both these conditions affect the flow of urine, making it more likely for bacteria to linger in the urinary tract. 

Genetics

Genetics can also play a key role in chronic urinary tract infections. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that having a parent or sibling with a history of five or more UTIs puts you at risk for recurrent UTIs⁴.  

What can I do to prevent chronic UTIs? 

Wondering if there is anything you can do to help keep your chronic UTIs at bay? There are a variety of lifestyle changes you can make that may positively affect your urinary tract health. You’ve likely read similar lists before, but a little refresher never hurts! 

• Avoid holding your urine and wipe front to back after going to the bathroom
• Urinate following intercourse
• Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day
• Wear cotton underwear 
• Change out of your sweaty undergarments immediately after a workout 
• Avoid using products that can affect your vaginal pH (spermicide, vaginal douches, etc.)

Give your body daily support

Get the support you need for a health urinary tract with Vexia™ Triple Action Urinary Tract Health. Vexia is a daily dose regimen made with D-Mannose, Cranberry and Probiotic. These ingredients help maintain a clean urinary tract*, help regulate health bacteria*, and support the immune system*. What more could you ask for when it comes to urinary health?! 

Learn more about our ingredients and their benefits here.