Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections — Gold Coast
Recurrent urinary tract infection is common and frustrating. Repeated empirical antibiotic courses tend to select for resistant organisms without addressing why the infections keep occurring. Specialist assessment aims to establish what is actually being treated and to reduce the frequency of episodes.
When referral is appropriate
- Three or more culture-proven urinary tract infections in twelve months
- Infections caused by resistant organisms with few remaining oral options
- Recurrent infection after urological surgery, or in the presence of a catheter or stent
- Recurrent pyelonephritis
- Urinary symptoms with repeatedly negative cultures
- Recurrent infection in a patient who is immunocompromised, pregnant, or has a transplanted kidney
What assessment involves
We review the microbiology of previous episodes in detail — which organisms, which susceptibilities, and whether each episode was genuinely a urinary tract infection.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common and, in most adults, does not require treatment. Distinguishing it from true infection avoids unnecessary antibiotics and the resistance that follows them.
Depending on the pattern, management may include targeted treatment of individual episodes, non-antibiotic preventive measures, a defined prophylaxis strategy, or referral to urology where a structural or functional cause is suspected.
Referrals
A current referral addressed to our rooms, or to one of our specialists by name, is required before an appointment can be arranged.
Gold Coast Infection Specialists Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast Specialist Suites Ground Floor, 14 Hill Street, Southport QLD 4215 Phone: 07 5530 0770