Chlorhexidine Lavage for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

Inclusion Criteria:

• Post-menopausal female between age 55 and 89

• No post-menopausal bleeding

• Diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in the electronic health recordor as two culture proven UTIs in 6 months or three culture proven UTIs in 12 months

• At least one UTI in the 6 months prior to entering the study

• Asymptomatic for UTI symptoms at the time of enrollment.

• On vaginal estrogen therapy for at least 6 weeks prior to enrollment

• Ready access to email and internet

Exclusion Criteria:

• Recent prophylactic antibiotic use (washout period of 4 weeks)

• Neurogenic bladder

• Diagnosis of urinary retention

• Uncorrected Stage III-IV prolapse

• Indwelling catheter or need for intermittent self-catheterization

• History of complicated UTIs

• History of interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome

• History of fecal incontinence/accidental bowel leakage

• Greater than 14 bowel movements per week

• Non-English speaking

• Allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate

• Inability to utilize vaginal estrogen therapy

• Recent urogynecological or urologic surgery (<12 weeks)