The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of a vaginal probiotic in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Specifically, this study aims to evaluate factors associated with successful colonization with Lactobacillus crispatus - a known "healthy" and protective bacteria in both the vaginal and urinary microenvironments. The study will recruit patients over age 18 with a clinical diagnosis of recurrent UTIs, and will utilize a commercially available Lactobacillus vaginal probiotic. Participants will use the probiotic product with the commercially approved packaging and regimen for a total of 3 months. Vaginal and urinary samples will be obtained at four different timepoints. Participants will also be asked to complete surveys regarding tolerability and acceptability of the probiotic product. Patient samples will be analyzed in the laboratory to understand the effects of the probiotic on the local microbiome. Survey data and demographic information will be housed within the Research Electronic Data Capture (RedCap) secure server. For our primary analysis, Lactobacillus crispatus (L. crispatus) abundance will be measured and used as the outcome variable in a linear regression model evaluating the impact of baseline patient and microbiome characteristics on L. crispatus colonization.
English-speaking
≥ 18 years of age
Diagnosed with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Specifically, participants will have had 3 UTIs over the past 12 months or 2 UTIs over the past 6 months. At least one of these UTIs must be culture-proven. For UTIs to count for this study, if not culture-proven they must involve the onset of UTI-related symptoms (dysuria, urgency, frequency, suprapubic pain, or urinary changes, etc) with prescription of antibiotics directed at UTI treatment.
Chronically self-catheterize.
Currently use of a vaginal pessary.
Have used a vaginal probiotic in the prior 3 months.
Are pregnant or within 1 year postpartum.