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Nearly constant urinary tract infections?

By Anonymous January 30, 2009 - 1:07pm
 
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I suffer from a nearly constant UTI (Urinary tract infection). My doctor has told me that it is probably because I have a lot of sex (with one partner) and sex changes the pH of the vagina. She gave me a bunch of things do that would hopefully stop the UTI from coming back, such as urinating right after sex and making sure everything is well lubricated. I've also taken medications, but it only seems to solve the problem for a few days.

However, IT DOES NOT GO AWAY.

Does this happen to anybody else? And if it has, how did you get rid of it? Or am I doomed to have to urinate ever five seconds for the rest of my life?

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Last year I had a UTI, took the antibiotics, and moved on with life. Assuming it was cleared up, a few months later I developed excruciating head and neck pain. Long story short, the UTI travelled my body and ended up forming an abcess on my spine. 12 days in the hospital, 2 fusion surgeries, and 2 months of IV antibiotics finally clear. 5 months later I have anothe UTI....off the charts in severity.....have no clue...have not been sexually active. Any ideas???

April 7, 2011 - 5:54pm
(reply to Anonymous)

Anon,
You should definitely go see a doctor because what your going through sounds miserable. I am so sorry that you are going through this. If you can't get an answer from your doctor then go see another doctor. Due to the field of work I am in, I know a lot of people with diseases such as IC that go through similar experiences and I know how terrible it can be, and you need answers.
Hope everything gets better.
-Chrissy

May 2, 2011 - 7:41am
(reply to Anonymous)

I am so sorry you have had such severe infections as to cause surgery as your treatment!

There are many causes to bladder or urinary infections, not just sexual intercourse. Has your doctor ruled out other possible conditions? Are you receiving appropriate diagnosis before taking antibiotics (antibiotics need to be provided only after a culture is performed to determine the exact type of bacteria). What has your doctor told you as your next steps with your recurrent UTI?

Please read these articles and let us know what questions you have:
- Urinary tract infections: what can be done if they are recurrent
- Interstitial cystitis and UTI: what is the relationship?
- EmpowHER Conditions: UTI

April 21, 2011 - 8:40am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I've also had UTIs since I was 2 years old (I'm now 27). 25 years of this is enough. I wish my doctors would do something about it already. They just can't seem to find anything. I remember getting a couple of tests done at specialists, but don't really remember what it was called. I know it HURT. I think it had to do with filling my bladder (if that makes any sense) and having me void it. There has to be SOMETHING that can be done, this is negatively affecting so many aspects of my life and I wonder why I was cursed with this. My husband and I want to try having a baby and I`m terrified because I read about how pregnant women get them even more often. Not to mention that I`m afraid every time we have sex that I`m going to have one. This is no way to live.

April 6, 2011 - 4:25pm
(reply to Anonymous)

Have you seen a doctor recently, and what type of specialists have you gone to?

April 7, 2011 - 10:00am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I too suffered for years with UTI's after 5 years of complaining, especially how painful it was after sex, my doc reopened my c-section thinking I may have had endemitriosis(?) that was negative I was put on macrobid everyday for months at a time, I followed all of the instructions with no luck until I went for my pap and the doc had an intern who I gave permission to do my exam and low and behold he touched a part in my vagina and asked if it bothered me and I said YES that is the pain I get during sex...and was the cause of my UTI's it was a urethral diverticulm a little sac/pouch that formed in my urethra which collected urine and allowed bacteria to build up also caused several kidney infections, once it was removed the UTI's went away and I was good for about 5 years, for some odd reason I tend to test positive for UTI's even though I dont feel as though I have one (this was during my pregnancy) I have yet to go see a urologist, who knows maybe a small pouch remains not sure but I am much better. Hope this helps

February 20, 2011 - 11:09pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Hey Anon,

UTIs aren't only caused by having a lot of sex. Changing underwear often and drinking cranberry juice may help with your problem. I'm 19, have been with one partner for a year, but have been prone to UTIs since i began menstruating. Its not a big deal, so just take some precautions and do what your doctor told you. And I know cranberry juice may taste awful, but you get used to it. Even if its mixed with another drink it is wholly beneficial in the prevention/treatment of UTIs. Cucumbers may also help since they are one of the best natural diuretics.

Best,
Anonymouse

February 7, 2011 - 10:57am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I seem to be getting constant Urinary Tract Infections since my boyfriend cam down in Demember. It's now February and Iv'e had like 4 of them since. I didnt know you can get them from having sex alot. If so then I truly believe that's why I do have them. I dont know what to do or think.

February 6, 2011 - 6:33am
(reply to Anonymous)

Hi Anonymous,
Thank you for your comment and for finding EmpowHER. If you haven't already, I would like to invite you to go back to be beginning of this thread and read replies from Susan Cody, and myself in addition to a whole host of other great information about this uncomfortable problem you are experiencing.
Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

February 7, 2011 - 10:05am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

hey iam 28 yrs old and i have had constant uti's since i was little its every week that i have one and from all the antibiotics ive been on my life i now have ulceritive colitis, that was caused by the antibiotics. I really rarley get a day that i feel good and have energy and iam only 28 and i have three children , it takes so much time away from them cause mommy's always sick i feel so depressed, iam tierd of getting sick all the time. please if some one else can give me some pointers or some advice i would appreciate it, i cant count how many times ive been in the hospital for days really sick from kidney infections, and now three times this year with ulcertive colitis and uti's...please help!!!!! *jessica*

December 3, 2010 - 6:27pm
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