A UTI is recurrent when it happens twice in six months or three times in a year, and it is common enough to be unremarkable.
Female anatomy is the main reason: a shorter urethra sits closer to the bowel. Sex is a frequent trigger. After menopause, falling oestrogen thins the tissue and raises risk again.
Hydration and urinating after sex have reasonable support. Cranberry has weak and inconsistent evidence. Probiotics are unsettled.
Symptoms with fever, back pain, vomiting or blood suggest the infection has reached the kidneys and need prompt care rather than fluids and waiting.