Psychological factors in recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infection

Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) is a very common medical complaint among women. A large proportion of such recurrence is attributable to a small sub-group of sufferers. Medical factors have proven insufficient to explain all such cases, and a number of psychological factors have been suggested as having a causal role. This study examines the evidence for the effects of behavioural and personality factors. Neuroticism and specific "risky" behaviours are identified as particularly important, being related to both the diagnosis of recurrent UTI and the frequency of infection. These findings suggest that treatment of recurrent, intractable UTI might include a psychological component.