Frequency of recurrent urinary tract infection in patients with pelvic organ prolapse

The aim of the study was to investigate the existence of a relationship between pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI).

The hospital database was searched for women diagnosed with pelvic floor disorders and all medical records were reviewed for recurrent UTI, diagnosed by two or more positive urine cultures taken within 12 months of each other. The control group was created using one-to-one matching for age and menopausal status. The prevalence of recurrent UTI in these patients were compared.

The mean age of the 210 participants was 54.64±5.15 years. We found no association between POP and recurrent UTI. In the prolapse group, 22 women (21%) had recurrent UTI compared with 19 women (18%) in the control group (P=0.316). Post-void residual (PVR) volumes >50 mL were associated with increased prevalence of recurrent UTI.

POP is not a risk factor for recurrent UTI, but women with POP are more likely to have high PVR volumes. High PVR volumes increase the risk of recurrent UTI. Clinical examination and ultrasound assessment of PVR should be performed in all women presenting with prolapse and UTI. Elevated PVR is the most significant risk factor, linking POP with recurrent UTI.