Evaluation of and antimicrobial therapy for recurrent urinary tract infections in women.

The problem with recurrent urinary tract infections in women is enormous and contributes significantly to national health care costs. As the role of office urology and the external "cost-effective" pressures placed on the practicing urologist have heightened, a consistent, logical approach towards diagnosis and management of urinary tract infection becomes essential. This article briefly discusses the cause and pathophysiology behind recurrent urinary tract infections in women. A practical discussion of proper evaluation and treatment options will also be provided in hopes of offering the clinician a simple, stepwise approach to this sometimes difficult condition.