Ep. 144 Recurrent UTIs: Controlling Those Nasty Little Bladder Infections with Dr. Anne Cameron

In this crossover episode of BackTable OBGYN with Urology, Dr. Suzette Sutherland, Director of Female Urology at the University of Washington, and Dr. Anne Cameron, Professor of Urology at the University of Michigan, share their insights on the prevention and management of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

First, they emphasize the importance of dispelling misconceptions about recurrent UTIs being a result of poor hygiene or incorrect behaviors, explaining that they can stem from genetic or hormonal risk factors. Dr. Cameron describes her algorithm for managing UTIs in specific patient populations. She further discusses the impact of factors such as fluid intake, bowel habits, and vaginal health on the incidence of UTIs. Dr. Cameron also highlights the potential for UTIs in diabetic patients on certain medications and the importance of a collaborative approach with diabetic healthcare teams. Additionally, the doctors explore various treatment strategies, such as cranberry supplements and gentamicin bladder installations, cautioning against antibiotic overuse due to the risk of resistance.

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Reflect on how this Podcast applies to your day-to-day and earn free AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/2P5fzK

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SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

02:13 - Understanding UTIs: Definitions, Symptoms, and Prevalence

04:39 - Recurrent UTIs: Definitions, Causes, and Treatment Challenges

12:00 - Understanding Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

15:00 - Cystitis vs. Pyelonephritis vs. Urosepsis

20:57 - Antimicrobial Resistance and Antibiotic Stewardship

24:36 - Treatment Guidelines for UTIs

31:13 - Self-start Antibiotic Therapy for UTIs

34:37 - Preventing UTIs: Hydration, Lifestyle Factors, and Bowel Health

38:33 - The Connection Between Vaginal Health and UTIs

42:40 - The Role of Supplements in UTI Prevention: D-Mannose and Cranberry, and Methenamine Hippurate

57:18 - Identification and Treatment of UTIs in Patients with Indwelling Catheters

01:00:04 - The Role of Gentamicin Bladder Installations in UTI Prevention

01:04:27 - The Impact of Diabetes Medications on UTIs

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RESOURCES

AUA Guidelines for UTI Treatment:

https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/recurrent-uti