Dear Dr. K: I’m a 42-year-old woman. This year I’ve had four urinary tract infections. Each cleared up with antibiotics. But now my doctor wants me to take a preventive antibiotic every day. Is this safe?

Dear Reader: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are surprisingly common in women of all ages. Most UTIs occur in the bladder. As you know from experience, the symptoms include frequent, urgent and painful urination, bloody urine, and pressure or pain in your lower abdomen. Less often, your kidneys may become infected.

Most UTIs are caused by E. coli, bacteria that live in human feces. E. coli can travel from the anus to the urethra during such activities as going to the bathroom and having sex. From the urethra, the bacteria can move up the urinary tract to the bladder or kidneys.

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