Urinary Tract

[Penguin1220]

Hi! I'm a 23 year old and I get chronic UTI's....

I've been tested for everything, I don't have endometriosis, I don't have a hormone imbalance, and it's not due to my sexual health or my diet. I have tried anything and everything. I get them at max 2 times a month. They started when I was 18 and have not slowed down since. At my last appointment with the Urologist was her telling me it's all in my head even though they've tested my urine every time and it's come back positive for an infection every time.

I'm just wondering if there's anyone on here that might be going through the same thing. At this point, I'm open to any recommendations. I use AZO products and I take D-Mannos, Probiotics, prebiotics, and cranberry supplements every day. They get so bad sometimes I have to go to Urgent Care, which can get so expensive just to get antibiotics.

If you'd also like to tell me your story that would make me feel not alone, that's great too.

Thank you

[Foxlet]

Hi! I'm so sorry to hear of your recurrent UTIs - they can be so debilitating. I have a similar situation, and a similarly unsympathetic urologist. I do have endometriosis, but it is not considered to be a cause of the UTIs. I have had cystoscopies, urethral dilations, and a CT scan - all without success. I am currently on long-term macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) treatment (100mg/day) and this has worked for me. However, if I come off of it the UTIs return within weeks. It is listed as an antibiotic / urinary antiseptic and this does seem to have made a difference. I hope you find a solution that works for you soon!

[Tibby-41]

That sounds awful for you , I know how it feels to be alone in your pain. You definitely need support.. my neighbour has been diagnosed with painful bladder syndrome! Think Botox is being used. Another friend was told she had very narrow urethra which meant she was susceptible to infection. At least if you know what it is that's some comfort. Have you checked your drinking habits ? Water? Tea caffeine etc ? Just a thought. I'm no expert but even something like a prolapsed disc or stress can affect things Xxx

[AncientAunt]

Sorry to hear you’re having such a dreadful time. When I was your age I went through a similar experience alternating between thrush and UTIs for years. Eventually found out I was allergic to the latex in condoms. I’m also allergic to wool so now avoid wearing wool skirts, trousers, pants etc. Cranberry juice works wonders for me but I have not had much success with the tablet form; I think the liquid helps flush the bacteria out better.

I hope you can find a solution for yourself soon. Really sympathise with you x

[Dollymae06]

Look up Embedded Chronic UTI Group there is plenty information on there . You will see how many people suffer with reoccurring UTI and what symptoms they have . Also in the guides you will see what Specialists are available in the UK and US. I hope this helps you I have suffered for many years and this group helps me to not feel alone. You will learn alot about this condition. Hope you feel better soon.x

[tid1]

My mother used to get recurring UTI's. Doctors eventually determined it was because her bladder was tilted so it didn't empty completely. One thing that helped her a lot was diet. She drank cranberry juice every day. I googled it and this is what I found:

Incorporating cranberry juice into your diet may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly recurrences. The effectiveness is attributed to certain compounds in the juice which can prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.

There are also many other lists of foods that are supposed to help prevent UTI's. I was going to include one here but then I saw there are many different lists that are not the same. I would suggest googling "foods that prevent UTI's." Review the different lists and make your own list that includes foods you like or are willing to eat.

[lovesun332]

If infections keep showing up, push for a second opinion, maybe from a urogynecologist. Ask about resistant bacteria, cultures, or long-term prevention like Hiprex