Sexual Wellbeing Intervention Strategies amongst rUTI Populations

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (rUTIs) occur at least twice in 6 months or thrice per year (1). Over 50% of women experience UTIs and up to 30% progress to rUTIs (2). rUTIs can induce chronic depression (3), social isolation, and generalised anxiety (4).

These infections cause stress and fear during sexual activity (5). Rooted in the fear of worsening symptoms, this leads to avoidance of potential triggers, including birth control or sexual partners, limiting sexual freedom (6). Patients express shame, anxiety, guilt, and sleep disruption, leading to relationship ruptures (6).

In extreme cases, women are abstaining or delaying conception for fear of developing further symptoms from intercourse (5). This generates fear of long-term loneliness, and further stigmatises women with rUTIs.

This study will develop a rUTI-specific psychosexual well-being intervention, focusing on (1) rUTI-related sexual education; (2) sexual self-compassion; and (3) patient-partner sexual communication. This will involve three studies: interviews, intervention development and feasibility assessment, culminating in the practical implementation of the intervention.