FREQUENCY OF RECURRENT URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP

Abstract

Background: Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a common problem among women of reproductive age and contribute significantly to morbidity, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization.

Objective: To determine the frequency of recurrent urinary tract infections in women of reproductive age and to evaluate their clinical and microbiological profile.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the In-patient and Out-patient Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Memon Medical Institute Hospital, Karachi, from August 2025 to January 2026. A total of 136 women aged 18–45 years with a history of ≥2 UTI episodes in the last six months were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and urine samples were analyzed by microscopy and culture.

Results: The mean age of participants was 29.6 ± 7.2 years, with the majority in the 25–34 year age group (38.2%). Approximately 43% of women experienced ≥4 UTI episodes in the preceding six months. Common symptoms included urgency (74.3%), burning micturition (69.1%), and increased urinary frequency (64.7%). Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism (50.0%), followed by Klebsiella (17.6%) and Staphylococcus (13.2%). A significant association was observed between increasing age and higher frequency of recurrence (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: Recurrent urinary tract infections are highly prevalent among women of reproductive age, with typical symptomatology and predominance of E. coli as the causative organism.