Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in women, and one in 4 of these women will develop a recurrence. The host-pathogen interaction is the essential clinical issue of treatment and prevention of recurrence. Various risk factors predispose women of different age groups to recurrence, including congenital structural abnormalities, sexual intercourse, use of contraception (spermicides), use of antimicrobials, use of estrogen, genetics, and the distance of the urethra from the anus. Escherichia coli is the organism most commonly isolated. Current treatment trends for UTI include empiric therapy (without urine culture and sensitivity testing), post-intercourse prophylaxis, short-course therapy (of less than 3 days), patient-administered (self-start) therapy, and long-term therapy. Estrogen and cranberry juice have also been used as prophylactic treatment adjuncts. Further understanding of the pathogenesis of UTIs will lead to more-effective and safer methods to prevent those frequent infections. Prospects for prevention of recurrent UTIs include natural compounds, bacteria interference, and immunization.