UK MPs push for official definition of chronic UTIs to end patient neglect
Labour MP Dr Allison Gardner is leading a cross-party parliamentary group to establish the first official medical definition for chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the UK. Currently, the condition lacks a formal diagnosis, leaving an estimated 1.6 million women without clear treatment pathways. Gardner, who suffered for a decade before finding relief through private hormone replacement therapy, argues that the absence of a definition causes patients to be dismissed by doctors. An expert panel led by GP Dr Cat Anderson aims to finalize this definition by early 2027 to improve diagnosis and reduce the significant NHS costs associated with untreated infections.