How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Recurrent UTIs (Women) - Prevention Plan

Audience: adult

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women can be frustrating and affect daily life. Preparing for a video visit with your healthcare provider can help you get the most out of the appointment. During the visit, you can discuss your symptoms, past treatments, and ways to prevent future infections. Your provider may suggest lifestyle changes, hygiene tips, or preventive medications. Telemedicine allows you to talk about your condition from home, but it cannot replace in-person exams or urgent care if your symptoms worsen. Knowing what to share and what to expect helps you work with your provider to manage recurrent UTIs effectively.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with chills — seek urgent in-person care immediately.
• Severe pain in the lower back or side — may indicate kidney infection, get emergency evaluation.
• Blood in urine or inability to urinate — requires prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and history of recurrent UTIs.
• Reviewing previous treatments and medications.
• Providing education on prevention strategies.
• Planning routine follow-up and monitoring.
• Answering questions about lifestyle changes.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or urine tests.
• Diagnosing complicated infections or kidney involvement.
• Managing severe symptoms requiring urgent care.
• Prescribing controlled substances without in-person evaluation.
• Handling emergencies or sudden worsening of symptoms.

What Are Recurrent UTIs?

Recurrent UTIs happen when a woman has multiple urinary tract infections over a short time, often defined as two or more infections in six months or three or more in a year. These infections usually affect the bladder and can cause pain, burning, and frequent urination. Understanding your history with UTIs helps your provider plan the best prevention strategy.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather important information such as dates and symptoms of past UTIs, any treatments or antibiotics you have used, and lifestyle factors like fluid intake or hygiene habits. Find a quiet, private space with good internet connection. Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss. This preparation helps your provider understand your situation clearly.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any previous test results. They may discuss ways to reduce your risk of future infections, such as drinking more water, urinating after sexual activity, or avoiding irritants like harsh soaps. Sometimes, preventive antibiotics or other treatments may be considered. The provider may also recommend follow-up tests or in-person visits if needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe symptoms like high fever, chills, back pain, blood in urine, or inability to urinate, seek urgent in-person medical care. These signs may indicate a serious infection that needs immediate attention. Telemedicine is helpful for routine management but cannot replace emergency evaluation.

Tips for Preventing Recurrent UTIs

Simple steps can help lower the chance of future UTIs:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List dates and details of past UTI episodes.
• Note any antibiotics or treatments used previously.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure a private, quiet space with good internet connection.
• Have access to your medical records if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the prevention plan and lifestyle advice given.
• Take any prescribed medications as directed.
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red-flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help prevent recurrent UTIs?

Yes, telemedicine visits allow you to discuss your history and get advice on prevention strategies, lifestyle changes, and when to seek further care.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the video visit?

If you develop high fever, severe pain, blood in urine, or cannot urinate, seek urgent in-person medical care immediately.

Do I need to have urine tests during a telemedicine visit?

Urine tests usually require an in-person visit or lab visit. Your provider may order tests and arrange for you to have them done locally.

How can I reduce the chance of getting UTIs again?

Drinking plenty of water, urinating after sex, wiping front to back, avoiding irritants, and wearing breathable underwear can help reduce risk.

Are preventive antibiotics safe to use?

Preventive antibiotics may be recommended in some cases but should be used under medical supervision due to possible side effects and resistance.

Sources

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Adults — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women — Mayo Clinic.
4. Urinary Tract Infection — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.