IUGA is seeking 3 members to join a joint IUGA/IDSA/ICS Writing Group to develop an opinion paper on non-antibiotic strategies for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI).
TIMELINE
The anticipated project duration is 12–24 months.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM UTC on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Recurrent urinary tract infections are a significant clinical challenge, contributing to morbidity, antibiotic use, and healthcare costs. Concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance and other antibiotic-associated effects have increased interest in non-antibiotic approaches to prevention.
The aim of this project is to develop a joint IUGA/IDSA/ICS opinion paper on the prevention of recurrent UTI. The paper will be developed jointly by the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA), Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), and International Continence Society (ICS).
The Writing Group will review current evidence on non-antibiotic prevention strategies, including immunoprophylaxis, vaginal estrogen, probiotics and microbiome-based therapies, cranberry and other anti-adhesive agents, methenamine and other urinary antiseptics, intravesical therapies, behavioral approaches, and emerging therapies.
The project will follow a structured, evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach. Once the Writing Group is formed, clinical questions will be refined using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) framework, followed by a comprehensive review of available evidence, including existing systematic reviews, guidelines, and relevant primary literature.
The project will also aim to develop practical clinical guidance tailored to different risk groups, standardize relevant outcomes, identify evidence gaps, and establish a prioritized research agenda.
TIME COMMITMENT:
Writing Group members should anticipate approximately 3-5 hours per month, increasing to 8-10 hours during intensive periods of evidence review, drafting, and revision.
WRITING GROUP
The project will take a multidisciplinary approach, with representation from relevant specialties including urogynecology, urology, infectious disease, and antibiotic stewardship pharmacy.
CONTRIBUTOR EXPECTATIONS
Writing Group members will be expected to:
- Participate actively in the collaborative development of the report.
- Maintain regular communication with the Writing Group and participate in virtual meetings as required.
- Contribute to the review and evaluation of relevant literature.
- Complete assigned sections, reviews, and other contributions within agreed deadlines.
- Review and provide feedback on drafts throughout the development process.
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest in accordance with applicable policies.
NOTE
Applicants with experience in guideline development, literature review, evidence appraisal, or other methodological support are particularly encouraged to apply. Such experience is preferred, and applicants are encouraged to highlight their relevant expertise in their application.
HOW TO APPLY
- Submit your letter of interest and CV to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by November 10, 2026 - Complete the online Disclosure Form by November 10, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM UTC on November 10, 2026.
We encourage IUGA members with relevant expertise and experience in recurrent UTI prevention to apply and contribute to this important multidisciplinary collaborative project.
REFERENCES
1. Anger J, Lee U, Ackerman AL, et al. Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline. The Journal of urology. 2019;202(2):282-289.
2. Foxman B. The epidemiology of urinary tract infection. Nature Reviews Urology. 2010;7(12):653-660.
3. Langford BJ, Brown KA, Diong C, et al. The benefits and harms of antibiotic prophylaxis for urinary tract infection in older adults. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2021;73(3):e782-e791.
4. Nickel JC, Kelly K-L, Griffin A, Elterman DS, Clark-Pereira J, Doiron RC. MV140 sublingual vaccine reduces recurrent urinary tract infection in women: Results from the first North American clinical
experience study. Canadian Urological Association Journal. 2023;18(2):25.
5. Ferrante KL, Wasenda EJ, Jung CE, Adams-Piper ER, Lukacz ES. Vaginal estrogen for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection in postmenopausal women: a randomized clinical trial.
Urogynecology. 2021;27(2):112-117.
6. Anglim B, Phillips C, Shynlova O, Alarab M. The effect of local estrogen therapy on the urinary microbiome composition of postmenopausal women with and without recurrent urinary tract infections. International urogynecology journal. 2022;33(8):2107-2117.
7. Harding C, Chadwick T, Homer T, et al. Methenamine hippurate compared with antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in women: the ALTAR non-inferiority RCT. Health Technology Assessment. 2022;26(23):1-172.
8. Cameron AP, Castrodad PM, Troost J, Forchheimer M, Tate DG. Effectiveness and patient perspective on the use of intravesical gentamicin instillations to treat recurrent urinary tract infections in
neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2024;43(8):1916-1923.
9. New FJ, Theivendrampillai S, Juliebø-Jones P, Somani B. Role of probiotics for recurrent UTIs in the
twenty-first century: a systematic review of literature. Current urology reports. 2022;23(2):19-28.
10. Prattley S, Geraghty R, Moore M, Somani BK. Role of vaccines for recurrent urinary tract infections:
a systematic review. European urology focus. 2020;6(3):593-604.