Women's experiences of recurrent UTIs: a qualitative study of preventive management and decision support needs

Hayes, Catherine V., Lecky, Donna M., Ahmed, Haroon ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0634-8548, Cannings‐John, Rebecca ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5235-6517, Edwards, Adrian ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6228-4446, Wood, Fiona ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7397-4074 and Sanyaolu, Leigh ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6762-6986 2026. Women's experiences of recurrent UTIs: a qualitative study of preventive management and decision support needs. Health Expectations 29 (5) , e70890. 10.1111/hex.70890

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Abstract

Introduction Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are common in women and significantly impact their daily lives. Prophylactic antibiotics are the primary preventive option for rUTIs when other options have been unsuccessful, but their use can increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to explore women's experiences of rUTIs and the support needed to make decisions about prevention and management. Methods Qualitative focus groups were conducted with 25 women with self-reported rUTIs, discussing hypothetical vignettes related to rUTI management. Topic guides were co-produced with women with lived experience and informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Data were analysed thematically. Results Themes included: (1) Recurrent UTIs are a debilitating condition, (2) Current healthcare does not support women with rUTIs, (3) ‘Why is this happening?’ (4) Preventive options are frequently tried with varying success and (5) Greater support is needed for women with rUTIs. Overall, women experienced rUTIs as a chronic condition and believed it should be managed with greater continuity. Women experienced stigma attached to rUTI, exacerbated by repeated discussions about hygiene from healthcare professionals (HCPs). Women had concerns around antibiotic use but were reluctant to stop prophylaxis if it was effectively preventing rUTIs; a contingency plan to address potential recurrences could help. Women reported mixed success with non-antibiotic strategies but were interested in trialling these with greater guidance from HCPs. Conclusion Improved management of rUTI requires greater continuity and proactive discussions on prevention, including better support for discussions on risks and benefits to enhance shared decision-making.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	1369-6513
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	7 October 2026
Date of Acceptance:	18 September 2026
Last Modified:	07 Oct 2026 09:15
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/190059

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