Something else? Ask Aunt Vadge – bottom left of your screen!
A survey by Chronic UTI Australia1 reveals what’s really going on under the hood, with some striking numbers.
Key findings of the study include:
- Over a third of participants had experienced persistent urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms for between two and five years, with over half experiencing symptoms for six years or longer.
- 92 per cent of participants had UTI symptoms while returning a negative urine culture.
- 85 per cent saw an improvement in their UTI symptoms after taking antibiotics, despite the negative culture.
- Over a third had seen their doctor 6-10 times for UTI symptoms in a single year
- 71 per cent and 33 per cent were referred to a urologist or a urogynaecologist, respectively, for their persistent UTI symptoms.
The purpose of the research was to see how those with persistent (intermittent or ongoing) UTI symptoms are getting on in terms of testing and treatment.
What we can see is that UTI testing and treatment is not adequate, with cultures not providing the information required.
The survey was conducted with 340 participants, primarily from the United Kingdom, United States and Australia.
In our clinic, we regularly see people whose standard urine culture comes back clear while their symptoms are anything but. This is exactly where more sensitive DNA-based testing, such as PCR or NGS, can pick up what a culture misses.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. If you have ongoing urinary symptoms, please see an experienced practitioner.
- Chronic UTI Australia Inc. Chronic UTI Australia survey results 2019. December 2019.
