Brian J. Flynn, MD, presented “Prevention of Recurrent UTI using Natural Therapies” during the 44th Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar on February 8, 2025, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
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How to cite: Flynn, Brian J. “Prevention of Recurrent UTI using Natural Therapies.” February 8, 2025. Accessed Apr 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/prevention-of-recurrent-uti-using-natural-therapies/
Prevention of Recurrent UTI using Natural Therapies – Summary
Brian J. Flynn, MD, explores natural therapies for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In this 15-minute presentation, Dr. Flynn emphasizes the importance of antibiotic stewardship and patient-centered treatment plans. The discussion follows the American Urological Association guidelines, focusing on evidence-based diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
Dr. Flynn underscores the role of glucose control in managing UTIs. He notes risk factors differ by age, with younger women primarily affected by sexual activity and older women by estrogen deficiency. Diagnosis should rely on urinalysis and urine cultures.
Dr. Flynn focuses on natural prevention strategies, advocating for increased water intake and hygiene measures. Cranberry supplementation with 36 mg of proanthocyanidins effectively reduces UTI recurrence by preventing bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall. Dr. Flynn also endorses methenamine as an alternative to continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.
For postmenopausal women, vaginal estrogen is essential in restoring the urogenital microbiome and reducing infections. Additionally, probiotics with lactobacillus can help maintain a healthy vaginal pH and bacterial balance. Emphasizing a patient-centered approach, Dr. Flynn highlights the need to differentiate true UTIs from conditions such as overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
Dr. Flynn asserts that prevention aims to reduce, not necessarily eliminate, UTIs and that patient education is crucial in setting realistic expectations.
About The 44th Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar:
The Ralph E. Hopkins Urology Seminar is a multi-day meeting focused on training urologists in the latest in assessing, diagnosing, and treating urologic conditions in the clinical setting. Updates are provided on urologic cancers, stone disease, urologic reconstruction, female urology, infertility, sexual function, emerging surgical techniques, and general urology. The 44th iteration of the meeting took place from February 5th to February 8th, 2025, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
For further educational activities from this conference, visit our collection page.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian J. Flynn, MD, is a professor of surgery/urology and fellowship director in Functional and Reconstructive Urology (FRU) at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Center, Division of Urology, in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Flynn earned his medical degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He completed a six-year residency in urology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, and a one-year fellowship in female urology and reconstructive urology at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He is board-certified in urology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Flynn earned his Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from the University of Rochester in Rochester, New York.
Dr. Flynn’s focus is in functional and reconstructive urology with an active
practice in male/female urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, urethral stricture disease, and robotic bladder/ureteral reconstructive surgery. He is a national leader in the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotics for the treatment of urinary incontinence, bladder neck contracture, urethral stricture, and ureteral obstruction. He has developed new techniques for AUS, ProACT, bladder neck reconstruction, and suprapubic catheter placement.
Dr. Flynn has authored numerous clinical papers, surgical videos, and textbook chapters. He has also presented internationally on surgical management of urethral stenosis with an emphasis on non-transecting techniques, post-prostatectomy incontinence, genitourinary fistula, and ureteral stricture disease.
