Research suggests that longer courses of antibiotic (e.g. 5-10 day courses) may be considered in women in whom eradication of bacteriuria is important (e.g. recurrent lower UTIs, planning pregnancy) or where there is more severe UTI (e.g. complicated by fever and flank pain).

Factors that are sometimes associated with recurrent infections are:

• Anatomical or functional abnormality of the urinary tract.
  
  

• Use of diaphragms and spermicides may induce vaginal colonization by E.coli.
  
  

• Genetic susceptibility patients do not secrete blood-group antigens. Changing some of your daily habits may help avoid UTIs.
  
  

• Drink lots of fluid to flush the bacteria from your system. Water is best. Try for 6 to 8 glasses a day.
  
  

• Drink cranberry juice or take vitamin C. Both increase the acid in the urine, so bacteria can't grow easily.
  
  

• Urinate frequently and go when you first feel the urge. Bacteria can grow when urine says in the bladder too long.
  
  

• Urinate shortly after sex. This can flush away bacteria that might have entered your urethra during sex.
  
  

• After using the toilet, make sure you wash properly, especially after a bowel movement.
  
  

• Wear cotton underwear can loose fitting clothes so that air can keep the area dry. Avoid tight-fitting jens and nylon underwear that that trap moisture and can help bacteria grow.
  
  

• For women, using a diaphragm or spermicide for birth control can lead to UTIs by increasing bacteria growth. If you have trouble with UTIs, consider modifying your birth control method. Unlubricated condoms or spermicidal condoms increase irritation and help bacteria cause symptoms. Consider switching to lubricated condoms without spermicide or using nonspermicidal lubricant .