My first ever UTI was six weeks after the birth of my first child. Christmas Day - I had no idea what it was, just kept on needing to go to the Loo and felt unwell. Hubbie had to rush me to hospital A&E. Next one was just after birth of third child, whilst still in hospital (she was premature). Very embarrassing during visiting time as I was constantly having to go past all the other beds to get to the loo. Nurse told me to drink four jugs of water, which I did, but did not help, needed AB's to clear it.
In the past, one GP actually gave me an undated prescription for AB's to use if I had an attack at the weekend. Not a good idea as there are different infections and they may need differing AB's
Had one started few years back as I was preparing to go over to visit daughter in Northern Ireland. Once there she arranged for me to have an emergency GP appointment to get AB's
I do drink loads of fluid, but now note that if I am run down in any way, I will almost definitely start one of these infections. Each time, I have to contact my GP and take in a 'sample' in order to get a prescription for AB's. Often feel so unwell.
The only time I had several years relief, was when I had suffered several attacks in a few months and a relief GP at my surgery put me on HRT pessaries. I did not believe her when she told me to do this, but they worked like a charm and kept me nearly three years infection free.
I love people who just tell us to 'drink more water', to clear this infection. It may work for those who have mild infections, but does absolutely nothing for many of us.