Repeated UTI's

I am a 70 year old female that has been on Prednisone for 38 years.    In the last 5 years, I have had repeated UTI's and am on antibiotics just about as much as I am off of them.   The culture from my most recent culture shows >100,000 Citrobacter Koseri.      I have been trying to drink sufficient water in order to stay hydrated.   What are some other things I can do to stop reoccurence.    I have been married to the same man for 46 years and we are quite sexually active.    Does that play a part in these infections?    

[Arti Sharma, M.D.]

Hello!
Repeated UTIs can be due to relapse or reinfection. Citrobacter Koseri is a gram negative bacillus usually causing infections in a n immunocompromised host. Since you are on steroids you are in an immunocompromised state leading to increased risk of opportunistic infections. Recurrent infections are also common where there is an abnormality of the renal tract or if there has been recent instrumentation of the renal tract. Broad spectrum cephalosporin and meropenem are used in treating infections caused by this bacterium. Seek the opinion of a urologist and take complete treatment. I do hope it helps.
Best wishes!