Testing probiotics to prevent repeat urinary tract infections

This completed trial tested whether taking a specific probiotic called Lactobacillus crispatus, combined with another probiotic product, could help prevent repeat urinary tract infections (UTIs) better than standard treatment alone. Researchers followed women for a year to see if this probiotic approach reduced how often they experienced these painful infections.

Repeat UTIs are a major problem for many women, and doctors typically treat them with antibiotics. However, repeated antibiotic use can create resistant bacteria and throw off the healthy bacteria in your body, sometimes making infections more likely to come back. This trial investigated whether probiotics—beneficial bacteria—could help restore your natural defenses and reduce your need for antibiotics.