MSG launches new private clinic for people experiencing recurrent UTIs

The Medical Specialist Group has launched a new Recurrent UTI (Urinary tract infection) Clinic to provide specialist support for adults whose urinary tract infections keep returning.

While most UTIs clear with a short course of antibiotics, some people experience repeated infections over several months or years, with no clear explanation as to why the infections keep happening at all. In these cases, the bacteria that cause UTIs can gradually stop responding to the antibiotics, making the next course less responsive than the previous. The new clinic will give patients more resources to explore possible underlying causes and consider ways to reduce the likelihood of future infections.

Who is this clinic for?

The clinic is for adults who have had infections that keep returning, it may be relevant if:

• Two or more infections occur within six months, or three or more within a year
• Infections keep coming back despite repeated courses of antibiotics
• Long-term, low-dose antibiotics are being taken or have been offered, and other options are being considered
• Infections start or become more frequent around or after the menopause
• No reason has yet been identified for why the infections keep happening

The first appointment

The clinic is led by consultant urologist Mr Owen Cole. During the initial appointment, patients will be able to discuss their symptoms, previous infections and treatments, whether those treatments worked, and if there were symptoms between each round of infections. Further investigations may be recommended where appropriate, and a urinary sample may be requested.

Treatment will be tailored to each patient and may include practical preventative measures, treatment of an underlying cause, hormonal treatment or specialist prescription options. Some of these treatments can only be considered following assessment by a consultant urologist.

The service also gives suitable patients an opportunity to explore alternatives to repeated courses of antibiotics. This is increasingly important as antibiotic resistance can make infections more difficult to treat and reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics over time.

Making an appointment

Patients can book directly with the clinic without a GP referral. The Recurrent UTI Clinic is a private service and is not covered by the Secondary Healthcare Contract with Health & Social Care.

To find out more or book an appointment, visit the Recurrent UTI Clinic service page or contact the Medical Specialist Group’s private patient bookings team.

*A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract - the bladder and the urethra.