I Volunteered in Kenya for three months in 2005. While I was there, I contracted a bladder infection from swimming in an overcrowded pool. I didn't realize it at the time, but the symptoms started while I was there and continued for several months afterwards until it progressed into a kidney infection. I took antibiotics for the kidney infection and was fine. Ever since I have had recurring bladder infections/UTIs at least twice a month. The symptoms are minimal. Just a very sudden and intense need to urinate that is not always alleviated by urinating. Sometimes I don't even know I have one until a doctor tells me I do. Before my trip I had never had a UTI. I am doing everything that I know of to prevent them: taking cranberry supplements, drinking plenty of water, urinating after sex, wiping front to back, staying away from sugar, keeping myself clean, not swimming in public pools, etc. But to no avail. They always show up again. I am getting concerned about how often I am taking antibiotics.
My question is, am I just very prone to UTIs, or could this have something to do with the fact that I got the initial infection in Kenya?