Use of probiotics in the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in women

Abstract

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common clinical problem, especially in women, significantly affecting their quality of life. The growing antimicrobial resistance has raised the need for non-antibiotic alternatives, and the use of probiotics has shown promise in preventing these infections. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus strains, in preventing recurrent UTIs in women. A narrative review of the literature was conducted, analyzing articles published between 2015 and 2025, including randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The results showed that the combination of oral and vaginal probiotics was particularly effective in reducing UTI recurrences. Vaginal administration of Lactobacillus showed better results compared to oral probiotics, with a significant reduction in infection incidence and an increased interval between recurrences. However, heterogeneity in treatment protocols and variation in strains used still limit the establishment of standard practices. Probiotic safety was consistent across studies, with few adverse effects reported. It is concluded that probiotics are an effective and safe alternative for preventing recurrent UTIs, especially in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance, but further research is needed to standardize treatment protocols and evaluate long-term efficacy.