Anyone who has experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI) knows the pain and discomfort it can bring. Now imagine enduring these symptoms periodically throughout the year. This is the reality for patients dealing with recurrent UTIs – a common problem, particularly among young women.
At Aare Urocare, our urologist is dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs. This includes providing novel solutions such as Uromune (UTI vaccine) when patients with repeated cases of UTIs do not respond well to antibiotic medications.
What Are Recurrent UTIs?
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection caused by bacteria or other microorganisms that affect parts of the urinary tract, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. Such infections are often indicated by symptoms such as:
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
- Increased urgency and frequency of urination
- Cloudy urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Abnormal discharge in women
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Lower abdominal, pelvic, or back pain
In the case of recurrent UTIs, they are defined as having two or more infections within six months or three within a year. In women, this condition is relatively common due to their shorter urethras, which make it easier for bacteria from the gut to reach the bladder.
It’s important to distinguish between repeated new infections and a lingering infection, as this distinction influences treatment options. Managing recurrent UTIs often involves targeted treatments, preventive strategies such as lifestyle changes, and close monitoring by your specialist.
In Singapore, the National University Hospital found that a quarter of women previously diagnosed with acute bladder infections (a type of UTI) go on to experience recurrent UTIs. These patients are often treated with a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria responsible for the infections.
It is also crucial to note that untreated UTIs can cause the infection to spread and potentially lead to serious complications, such as blood poisoning or renal failure.
Limitations of Antibiotic Treatment for UTI Treatment
Mainstream treatment of UTIs typically involves prescribing antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. For UTI prevention, low-dose antibiotics may also be prescribed for prophylactic use (a preventive approach). While this method is generally effective, there are certain limitations when using antibiotics to combat UTIs:
- Antibiotic Resistance
When patients are continuously consuming or overconsuming antibiotics, there is a chance that they may develop antibiotic resistance. This means that the bacteria being targeted becomes resistant to the medications typically used to treat them. In UTI patients, this resistance could result in antibiotic-resistant UTIs, making infections harder to treat.
More importantly, an antibiotic could be used to treat more than one infection caused by the same bacteria. If an individual grows immune to a particular antibiotic, they may be resistant to it altogether not just when used for treatment of UTIs.
- Limited Efficacy Against Biofilm
In patients with complicated recurrent UTIs, bacteria can form colonies within the urinary tract and develop a biofilm (a protective layer that shields the bacteria from both the immune system and antibiotics). This biofilm significantly reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics, making it harder to eradicate the bacteria.
- Potential Side Effects
Some patients may have sensitivities or medical conditions that make antibiotic treatments less tolerable, resulting in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and others.While antibiotics can eliminate bacteria in infected individuals, there is no guarantee the infection will not recur. When it does, patients may require another round of antibiotic treatment to address the new infection.
What is Uromune?
A different approach available to manage recurrent UTIs is Uromune – an oral vaccine for the prevention of urinary tract infections. Unlike most vaccines, Uromune is taken as a daily pineapple-flavored spray over three months. It works by stimulating the immune system to increase its resistance against UTIs and reduce the risk of recurrence.
To achieve this, patients are exposed to inactivated bacteria which are common culprits of UTIs contained in the medication including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Proteus vulgaris.
Recent UK studies show promising results, with patients on Uromune experiencing close to 80% UTI-free rates over one year. To understand if Uromune could be an option for you, schedule a consultation at Aare Urocare with our urologist.
Benefits of Uromune for Recurrent UTIs
Patients with recurrent UTIs who do not respond well to prophylaxis antibiotics may require an alternative approach. In such cases, Uromune offers a potential solution with the following benefits to consider:
- Prevention of Recurrence and Long-Term Immunity
By building the body’s immunity against bacteria responsible for UTIs, they are less prone to infections when the same organisms enter the patient’s urinary tract. - Non-Antibiotic Approach
As Uromune is not an antibiotic and relies on the body’s immune system response, its usage will not result in antibiotic resistance as antibiotic treatments would. - Broad-Spectrum Effectiveness
Uromune is likely to be effective in preventing an infection given that it contains four of the most common UTI-causing bacteria. - Reduced Side Effects
Since Uromune is not an antibiotic, it is less likely to cause common antibiotic-associated side effects such as gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions. The most common side effects associated with Uromune typically include mild heat sensation, swelling, or itching in the mouth. In rare cases, patients may experience abdominal discomfort.
Uromune vs Antibiotics: Key Differences
When selecting a suitable treatment for patients, it is not simply a choice between antibiotics and Uromune. Both medications serve different roles in a patient’s treatment plan.
To illustrate this further, here’s a comparison of Uromune and antibiotics in treating UTIs:
| Uromune | Antibiotics | |
| Purpose | Prevents recurrent UTIs | Treats active UTIs |
| Mechanism | Works by training the immune system using inactivated bacteria. | Targets and kills bacteria responsible for infections. |
| Effectiveness | Targets immune response, offering long-term resistance. | Effective against current infections but may not prevent recurrence. |
| Side Effects | Generally mild, including heat sensation or mouth irritation. | Can cause gastrointestinal issues or allergic reactions. |
| Antibiotic Resistance | Does not contribute to antibiotic resistance. | Overuse or misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. |
| Administration | Oral spray, daily for 3 months. | Oral or intravenous, typically for a short course. |
| Suitability | Patients with recurrent UTIs | Patients with active infections |
Before starting any medication, consult a urologist for proper diagnosis and treatment of your UTI symptoms.
Who Should Consider Uromune?
Patients who frequently experience UTIs or women over the age of 50 are recommended to consider Uromune. However, Uromune should only be prescribed by a qualified medical professional, such as a urologist, to ensure its appropriate use for the correct diagnosis.
Often, patients presenting with UTI-like symptoms may not actually have an infection, as many urinary conditions, such as kidney stones, can exhibit similar signs.
For an accurate diagnosis, visit a urology centre such as Aare Urocare for further testing and consultation with our specialist.
Summary
Living with debilitating urinary pain every few months can be challenging, especially for women. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. A combination of antibiotics for treatment and a UTI vaccine for prevention could offer a solution for a UTI-free life.
If you’re frustrated by recurring UTIs, consult Dr. Fiona Wu, Senior Consultant Urologist and Medical Director at Aare Urocare. She provides a range of treatments that could help. When traditional antibiotics aren’t enough, Dr Wu can suggest tailored alternatives such as the UTI vaccine or Intravesical Treatment.
References
- NHS. (n.d.). Urinary tract infections (UTIs). NHS. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
- National Library of Medicine. (2020). Urinary tract infections. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557479/
- MWH Services. (2015). Uromune patient information leaflet. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://www.mwh.services/admin/product/images/50045UROMUNE%20Patient%20Information%20Leaflet%20092015.pdf
- SMG Women’s Health. (n.d.). Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Singapore Medical Group. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://smgwomenshealth.sg/our-services/urogynaecology/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
- NHS Wales. (2020). Uromune prescribing guide. Swansea Bay University Health Board. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://wisdom.nhs.wales/health-board-guidelines/swansea-bay-incontinence-file/uromune-prescribing-guide/
- Antibiotic Research UK. (n.d.). Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Antibiotic Research UK. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://www.antibioticresearch.org.uk/patient-support/specific-infections/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
- The Urology Partnership. (n.d.). UTI vaccine. The Urology Partnership. Retrieved December 9, 2024, from https://theurologypartnership.co.uk/treatments/uti-vaccine/
