Chronic UTI’s

[miakat123]

Hi all. Just looking for a bit of advice and to see really if anyone is or has been in a similar position as myself.

January 2019 - had the worst pelvic pain and pain passing urine. Went to GP and they said nothing to be worried about was just a UTI & gave me a course of antibiotics. Medication did it’s job, for a while. Since January 2019 I have had at least one UTI (diagnosed by a doctor) every month, this lasted until March 2020. In December of 2019, the GP sent me for an ultrasound to see if my kidneys and urinary tract were all OK. Found out then I have a duplex kidney which makes me more susceptible to UTI’s. I always have and will make sure to try and remove the risk of infection myself with what doctors and online forums such as NHS forums tell you to do to prevent getting a UTI.

But the fact I have had more than 12 UTI’s and 12 rounds of antibiotics in the space of year makes me think that my body is screaming for help and I just feel like there’s something going on further than having a kidney abnormality (that usually doesn’t cause people much issue!).

If anyone has any advice on this I would really appreciate it.

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

😕 I’ve had quite a few instances of this sort of thing myself, the symptoms were there but testing didn’t actually show infection, it definitely wears you down.

Several factors make women more likely to get recurrent bladder infections, a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). These factors include:

Kidney or bladder stones

Bacteria entering the urethra — the tube that carries urine from your body — during intercourse

Changes in estrogen levels during menopause

Abnormal urinary tract shape or function

An inherited risk of developing bladder infections (genetic predisposition)

If you've had two or more culture-documented bladder infections during a six-month period, consider seeing a urologist — a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating urinary tract conditions.

To figure out what's causing the repeat infections, your urologist may recommend a:

Urine culture test of a sample obtained with a catheter

Visual exam of the bladder and urethra with a lighted scope (cystoscopy)

Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the urinary tract

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause, when possible. If your doctor can't find a cause, one of these options may help:

A long-term, low-dose antibiotic for as long as six months to two years

Intermittent or self-directed antibiotic therapy — for instance, taking an antibiotic after intercourse or starting a course of antibiotics supplied in advance by your doctor at the first sign of a UTI

Vaginal estrogen therapy — if you don't already take oral estrogen — for signs or symptoms related to vaginal dryness (atrophic vaginitis) after menopause

Expert opinions vary on whether certain lifestyle changes reduce the risk of bladder infection, but it may be helpful to:

Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to help flush out bacteria

Urinate often, especially when you feel the need

Wipe from front to back after urination or a bowel movement

Take showers rather than baths

Gently wash the skin around your vagina and anus daily using a mild soap and plenty of water

Use forms of birth control other than a diaphragm and spermicides

Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse

Avoid deodorant sprays or scented feminine products in the genital area

Studies show conflicting results on whether cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties that help prevent urinary tract infections. But, there's likely little harm in trying cranberry juice to see if it helps you — just watch the calories. For most people, drinking cranberry juice is safe, but some people report an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Copied from mayoclinic.com

[maryemma]

Hi there I had this for years , I have been taking am powder called D mannose ,at first to clear it twice a day in water then once a day with breakfast and I didn't get it for a year ,only now I have started to get BV any ideas for this ,I believe it's because I have a pessary for a prolapse