The Doctor Dance: Why It’s So Hard to Find Effective Treatment for Your UTI
If you suffer from frequent urinary tract infections, you’ve probably seen at least one physician looking for relief.
“Unfortunately, many of the patients who come to me have consulted at least 3 doctors without finding the treatment they need,” says Thomas Rechtschaffen, MD, FACS, founder of Advanced Urology Centers of New York.
In fact, research shows that most women see an average of 7 physicians before getting effective care for urinary tract issues. “I call it the doctor dance,” he says.
The exhausting search for answers
Many women who come to Dr. Rechtschaffen felt undermined and dismissed by the physicians they’ve consulted before.
“Some say they felt gaslighted, as if the pain they’re experiencing wasn’t real,” he says. “They’ve been told they’re exaggerating their symptoms or doing something to cause their own problems.”
None of this is helpful, he points out. What patients need is someone who will ask the right questions, listen carefully and develop a complete, holistic understanding of their history and symptoms.
An effective treatment plan begins with a thorough look at your symptoms in the context of your life, Dr. Rechtschaffen says. This includes an in-depth discussion of:
The frequency and intensity of your symptoms
How long you’ve been dealing with these issues
Potential triggers such as diet, stress, hormonal cycles, sexual activity and more
Health conditions that may be related to urinary difficulties: migraines, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia or autoimmune disorders (such as Lyme disease)
Only when the full picture emerges can the right course of treatment be found, Dr. Rechtschaffen notes. It's important to communicate all the facts with your clinician, to help be prepared check out our 5 Tips To Be Prepared for Your Appointment.
Working with your urologist
It’s crucial to find a doctor who will develop a 360-degree understanding of what you’re going through. Here are steps you can take to support this process.
Track your symptoms and triggers. Write down your symptoms for at least a week before your medical visit. Make special note of what you were doing 12 to 24 hours before your worst symptoms showed up.
Bring a list of what you’ve already tried. This may include increasing water intake, changing your diet, taking supplements or prescription medications.
Do a little homework to learn more about newer approaches to UTI testing and treatment. (The MyUTI education center is a great place to start.)
Will you end up having to take antibiotics forever?
“This is a question many women bring to me,” Dr. Rechtschaffen says. “The truth is, long-term antibiotic treatment is rarely the best course and more and more urologists who are are using advanced testing are adopting that philosophy.”
While molecular tests can pinpoint the right antibiotic to treat an infection, continuous use can lead to drug resistance.
“Also, we want to preserve a woman’s healthy microbiome, frequent antibiotic use can affect the digestive tract and make existing bowel issues worse, which is something we absolutely want to prevent.”
The doctor dance ends when you find a medical partner who sees you as an individual, he emphasizes. Every person has a unique experience, and that’s the way every woman seeking help for chronic urinary issues should never feel minimized.
