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Recurrent UTIs: How a Home Medicines Reviews Can Help Break the Cycle

  • benjaminjaenschbph
  • Dec 16, 2025
  • 3 min read

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common — but for some people, they keep coming back. Recurrent UTIs can be painful, frustrating, and disruptive to daily life. Many people also worry about repeated antibiotic use and its long-term effects.


The good news is that antibiotics are not the only option. In fact, current Australian and international guidelines recommend non-antibiotic strategies first to help prevent UTIs from returning. One of the best ways to explore these options safely and effectively is through a Home Medicines Review (HMR).




Why Reducing Antibiotic Use Matters


Repeated antibiotic use can:

  • Increase antibiotic resistance

  • Cause side effects like thrush, diarrhoea, or nausea

  • Disrupt the body’s natural bacteria

  • Make future infections harder to treat

Because of these risks, guidelines now recommend reserving antibiotics as a last resort and focusing on prevention wherever possible.

An HMR helps ensure antibiotics are used only when truly needed — and that safer alternatives are considered first.


Non-Antibiotic Ways to Prevent UTIs


During a Home Medicines Review, your pharmacist can talk through evidence-based options tailored to you.


1. Simple Lifestyle Changes

Small changes can make a big difference:

  • Drinking at least 1.5 liters of water daily

  • Emptying your bladder regularly

  • Urinating after sexual intercourse

  • Maintaining good hygiene

  • Avoiding spermicides, douching, tight clothing, and diaphragms


Studies show that increasing water intake alone can reduce UTI recurrence by up to 50% in people who don’t drink enough fluids.


2. Vaginal Oestrogen (Postmenopausal Women)

For postmenopausal women, low-dose vaginal oestrogen can:

  • Restore healthy vaginal bacteria

  • Lower vaginal pH

  • Strengthen tissues around the bladder

Research shows it can halve the number of UTIs and reduce antibiotic use — with a good safety profile. Your pharmacist can help explain how it works and ensure correct use.


3. Methenamine Hippurate

Methenamine hippurate is a non-antibiotic urinary antiseptic that helps prevent bacteria from growing in the bladder.

  • Taken regularly, it has been shown to be as effective as daily antibiotics

  • It does not cause antibiotic resistance

  • It is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

A HMR helps ensure it’s suitable for you and used correctly.


4. Cranberry Products

Cranberries may help stop bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.

  • Evidence is mixed, but some people benefit

  • Often recommended as juice or capsules

  • Not suitable for everyone (for example, some people on warfarin)

Your pharmacist can advise whether cranberry products are appropriate and safe for you.


5. Probiotics

Certain probiotics may help restore healthy bacteria and reduce UTI recurrence.

  • Some studies show fewer infections and longer infection-free periods

  • Not all probiotic products are the same

A Home Medicines Review helps identify which strains may be helpful and whether they interact with your current medicines.


6. D-mannose and Other Supplements

D-mannose is a natural sugar that may stop bacteria from attaching to the bladder.

  • Some studies show reduced UTIs and improved quality of life

  • It is generally well tolerated

  • Evidence is still evolving

Your pharmacist can help you weigh the benefits and risks and avoid unnecessary or ineffective supplements.


Why a Home Medicines Review Is Especially Helpful for


Recurrent UTIs

A HMR allows time for a full, personalized discussion, including:

  • Reviewing all medicines and supplements together

  • Identifying triggers for UTIs

  • Reducing medicine-related risks

  • Supporting safe, non-antibiotic prevention

  • Coordinating care between your GP and pharmacist

For men with recurrent UTIs, a HMR can also help prompt further investigation and specialist referral when needed.


How to Arrange a Home Medicines Review


  1. Speak to your GP about your recurrent UTIs

  2. Ask for a Home Medicines Review referral

  3. An accredited pharmacist will contact you to arrange the review

  4. Your GP receives a report with recommendations tailored to you


Take Control of Recurrent UTIs

If you’re stuck in a cycle of repeated UTIs, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. A Home Medicines Review offers a practical, evidence-based way to reduce infections, limit antibiotic use, and improve your quality of life.

Talk to your GP or pharmacist today about arranging a Home Medicines Review.

 
 
 

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