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UTI Symptoms but Not a UTI, Not a STD, then what is it?
Hello, I'm a healthy 22 year old female with no history of STI/STDs. Twice recently, however, after intercourse I obtained what I thought to be a UTI. Bladder/lower abdominal discomfort, frequent urges to urinate (but often unable to actually to do so, or very little would come out), burning at the opening of the urethra when peeing, etc. I have had UTIs before, so I figured this was what it was, and went to my doctor for antibiotics. However, I was told that there was no sign of any bacteria in my urine sample, even after culturing it (along with no STDs, no pregnancy, and all those other commonly assumed causes when a 22 year old sexually active female is involved in just about anything in the medical community). They gave me antibiotics anyway, since i was in extreme discomfort, along with some pill resembling AZO (over the counter bladder numb-er). I took the full course, but the discomfort did not go away for another week or so. When I tried to have sex again, nearly a month later, this happened all over again. I've never experienced anything like this before, and I'm really at quite a loss. It's upsetting and certainly disrupts and affects my quality of life. What could this possibly be?
Oh yeah, and you could be really sensitive down there like I am. I can't use dryer sheets on my underwear- that's a huge one! Use all or tide free and clear and no dryer sheets! No scented laundry soap. No scented soap down there, I only use dove sensitive skin but vagisil wash for sensitive skin is good too, the kind with absolutely no fragrance. No scented wipes or scented femanine wipes. Some of these things people don't think of but when I stopped using dryer sheets it made a huge difference!
1 Comments
That what one of my dr. Told me don't use some of the same thing.
Tampons could cause this problem also. I uselly get the unscented ones cause they gave me a uti in the pass. Also if you are using condoms for birth control I found out real quick that they were the cause of my uti had to change the brand plus you could be allergic to them. I had no uti for about two years and now my uti have started back up again for some reason. I figure I need to change my tampons again to different brand.
I hope this might help.
Tampons could cause this problem also. I uselly get the unscented ones cause they gave me a uti in the pass. Also if you are using condoms for birth control I found out real quick that they were the cause of my uti had to change the brand plus you could be allergic to them. I had no uti for about two years and now my uti have started back up again for some reason. I figure I need to change my tampons again to different brand.
I hope this might help.
Hey everyone! I've been looking for a solution to my problem, feels like I have a uti but I don't, constant discomfort and the need to pee. I have come across so many of these boards of people informing others of their symptoms, but I rarely see anyone coming back to offer advice or solutions. I used to get UTIs all the time, I had been told to take cranberry pills every day and I just blew it off thinking that it would be a waste of money, since I had tried to take them when I had a uti and they never seemed to do any good. Once I finally listening and took a couple capsules daily I realized that I hadn't had a uti, or the yucky, uncomfortable and painful feeling of having one when I really don't in months and months! Stupidly, I ran out last month and kept forgetting to get more and now I have the irritation, feels like a uti but doesn't. :/ a few years ago my mom showed me a trick, when she was irritated but wasn't really a uti shed dab a little Monistat 7 or 3 in the area and the infection would be gone the next day. It worked for me!! A few times, I was super excited. Unfortunatly it's not working for this time around, which is why I'm searching for more answers. Hopefully this advice can help a few who are looking for relief though! :)
This is a common prob for me although it's been a year since my last episode until last week just looking for some home remedies that work
Also, I would recommend drinking kefir and natural probiotic yoghurt.
OK, many years have passed since this was first posted but for anyone who's experiencing similar issues (like me) get an ultrasound: I had what seemed to be bladder infection, but clear UTI results, also I had pee bursting out when laughing/coughing and indigestion. It turned out I have ovarian cysts and possibly mild endometriosis.
1 Comments
also have pain during intercourse
i'm 22 as well .. and facing the same problem it's just killing me inside .. i don't know what to do iv tried so many things but nothing is giving relief ..
Hello I feel your pain. Iwas suffering the exact same symptoms from oct 17 to Feb 18 and was in despair. It turns out I had so many antibiotics that my system was wiped out of good bacteria.
After 2 specialists and doc appointments I did some research. I started taking a probiotic bio cult pro cyan. Bout £15 for 45 tablets. I have been symptom free now for 7 weeks. Could recommend them high enough. I am a new woman.
Worth a try!!
After 2 specialists and doc appointments I did some research. I started taking a probiotic bio cult pro cyan. Bout £15 for 45 tablets. I have been symptom free now for 7 weeks. Could recommend them high enough. I am a new woman.
Worth a try!!
Get your urethra stretched. I had it for years and had a baby vaginally 19 yrs ago, never had one again till last week. I think I have a prolapse though. It sucks
OP, did you ever find out what was wrong? I have a urologist appointment tomorrow for the same exact problem.
I have lot of the same problems I have had a Dr. Tell me you might be just sensitive
Tampons could cause this problem. I uselly get the unscented ones cause they give me a uti in the pass. Don't wear tight clothing and wear cotton underwear so you can breath.
Also if you are using condoms for birth control I found out real quick that they were the cause of my uti had to change the brand plus you could be allergic to them. I had no uti for about two years and now my uti have started coming back again for some reason. I figure I need to change my tampons again to different brand.
Hope this helps.
Tampons could cause this problem. I uselly get the unscented ones cause they give me a uti in the pass. Don't wear tight clothing and wear cotton underwear so you can breath.
Also if you are using condoms for birth control I found out real quick that they were the cause of my uti had to change the brand plus you could be allergic to them. I had no uti for about two years and now my uti have started coming back again for some reason. I figure I need to change my tampons again to different brand.
Hope this helps.
I had these issues for about 10+ years throughout my 20's. Often antibiotics did nothing and I'd have symptoms again the next month. I finally saw a uro gynocolgist and found out I had Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Tight muscles that required special but easy physical therapy. The women that do this therapy are amazing and have changed my life. No surgerys and no more useless antibiotics. More women have pelvic floor issues than they realize and it leads to all of these symptoms that mimic a UTI. Please ask your doctor about this! I am no longer stressed about my sexlife or day to day discomfort. Hope this helps someone!
I'm a 17 year old female I keep getting utis all the time I hate it so much it hurts so bad all I can do is sit and cry I always feeling burning when I pee and alot of discomfort and pain this started happening after being with my boyfriend for 3 months weve been together for 1 year and 6 months now and I keep getting them antibiotics aren't helping anymore I'm see a urologist but he doesn't even know what's going on I just want this to go away forever so I can have a Normal life again I'm so sick of this I can't go any where I cant sleep does anyone know what could be happening to me
So.... I want to offer a possible diagnosis for someone you. I used to get these symptoms a LOT when I first met my husband and my sex life increased. Years after going to the doctor month after month I watched Grey's Anatomy and they mentioned Honeymoon cystitis. It dawned on me that this could be the answer. I never received confirmation because it was years later when I ran across the name but maybe it'll help someone here.
Hello I had a similar problem to yours. I'm 21 and I constantly feel llike I have all the UTI symptoms and feel discomfort when I have to pee , or have a burning sensation and I notice that when I eat really unhealthy it becomes more common. I hate going to the Doctors constantly to get antibiotics because the more you use them the less effective they are and also I've read and heard that taking antibiotics constantly can cause liver problems. I started doing some research and looking for alternatives to antibiotics and one the kept coming up was "D-mannose", so basically what is is is a type of sugar pill that helps get rid of infection, I've been taking it for 2 months and I haven't had any UTI symptoms. So what D-mannose is, is a sugar pill or powder(they sell both forms) that doesn't break down in your stomach so all it makes you do is pee out the sugar but the bacteria that stay in you walls and cause the infection really like sugar (that's why eating bad makes the UTI worse) so the bacteria with detach from the walls and go "chase" the sugar you're peeing out. So it's organic and always effective and relatively cheap the bottles range from 15$ for 60 pills. They usually sell them online ones cvs or vitiman shops
To offer a bit of hope to those of you suffering right now: Genitourinary symptoms (burning during/after urination of urethra and/or vagina, bladder fullness, frequency, urgency etc) can be caused by several things that are not UTI. Please don't panic if your results for UTI are negative. You will not have to suffer like this forever!
1. Go back to your doctor. Ask for a new urine culture to be done (this will be in a lab) and ask them to check for ureaplasma (a rarer cause for UTI which does not always get tested for in the initial lab). Also ask your doctor to take a swab to test for STDs (improbable, but possible) and especially for Bacterial Vaginosis. BV can have the EXACT same symptoms as UTI, but with a very different cause and treatment. Do not let them tell you offhand that it's not BV if you don't have discharge. BV does not always present with discharge.
2. In the meantime, you can try some home remedies that will soothe delicate tissue: hot bath with baking soda, cold compresses, salt water bath, honey or yogurt as a topical. (Do a search for vaginal itching and burning, but avoid certain things that are very acidic, because though they will help if it is BV, they will hurt if it is bladder inflammation).
3. Immediately start on a good probiotic. This will help your body heal from the antibiotics, which eliminate both good and bad bacteria. If you can tolerate the taste, one tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar in a small glass of water will help to alkalize your body (acidity will make urine burn more).
4. If the answer comes back as ureaplasma: Doctor will prescribe another antibiotic (like Doxycycline). Continue the probiotic (SO important!)! Consider adding some supplements to soothe and help your bladder heal itself (search this out, but some are marshmallow root, milk thistle, corn silk tea, quercitin, etc)
5. If the answer comes back BV: Doctor will prescribe either an antibiotic (Like Metronidazole/Flagyl or Clindamycin - NOTE: Flagyl is VERY strong and not well tolerated by some, look it up!), or a topical gel or ovule (suppository). Note that these may or may not completely clear your infection. Don't panic if it doesn't! Search instead for natural cures which most sufferers have found to be exceptionally superior than antibiotics (some include Vitamin C (most popular) peroxide treatments (2nd) and others of varying efficacy but worth a try).
6. If it comes back as neither of the above: don't panic! Stress makes your bladder clench, worsening the symptoms. Ask to be referred to a urologist. Do not accept no for an answer. Find a doctor who will listen to your history and refer you. The urologist will do a cystoscopy , which sounds WAY worse than it is. They will check for "signs" of IC, but also for related causes, and there are several, most of which are not "incurable".
7. While waiting for the urologist, think about making some changes that will help relieve stress on your bladder and help it heal. To do this, you need to alkalize your system (avoid caffeine, drink alkalized water, avoid citrus fruit and beverages and processed meats, search out IC Diet), investigate things like TENS, meditation, acupuncture and other non-traditional therapies which will all be beneficial until you find your diagnosis.
Above all, keep in mind that there is new research being done in this area all. the. time. There is tons of information on the web for each of the above, and what works for some won't work for others. Keep being your own advocate and stay positive. You won't suffer with this forever! :)
1. Go back to your doctor. Ask for a new urine culture to be done (this will be in a lab) and ask them to check for ureaplasma (a rarer cause for UTI which does not always get tested for in the initial lab). Also ask your doctor to take a swab to test for STDs (improbable, but possible) and especially for Bacterial Vaginosis. BV can have the EXACT same symptoms as UTI, but with a very different cause and treatment. Do not let them tell you offhand that it's not BV if you don't have discharge. BV does not always present with discharge.
2. In the meantime, you can try some home remedies that will soothe delicate tissue: hot bath with baking soda, cold compresses, salt water bath, honey or yogurt as a topical. (Do a search for vaginal itching and burning, but avoid certain things that are very acidic, because though they will help if it is BV, they will hurt if it is bladder inflammation).
3. Immediately start on a good probiotic. This will help your body heal from the antibiotics, which eliminate both good and bad bacteria. If you can tolerate the taste, one tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar in a small glass of water will help to alkalize your body (acidity will make urine burn more).
4. If the answer comes back as ureaplasma: Doctor will prescribe another antibiotic (like Doxycycline). Continue the probiotic (SO important!)! Consider adding some supplements to soothe and help your bladder heal itself (search this out, but some are marshmallow root, milk thistle, corn silk tea, quercitin, etc)
5. If the answer comes back BV: Doctor will prescribe either an antibiotic (Like Metronidazole/Flagyl or Clindamycin - NOTE: Flagyl is VERY strong and not well tolerated by some, look it up!), or a topical gel or ovule (suppository). Note that these may or may not completely clear your infection. Don't panic if it doesn't! Search instead for natural cures which most sufferers have found to be exceptionally superior than antibiotics (some include Vitamin C (most popular) peroxide treatments (2nd) and others of varying efficacy but worth a try).
6. If it comes back as neither of the above: don't panic! Stress makes your bladder clench, worsening the symptoms. Ask to be referred to a urologist. Do not accept no for an answer. Find a doctor who will listen to your history and refer you. The urologist will do a cystoscopy , which sounds WAY worse than it is. They will check for "signs" of IC, but also for related causes, and there are several, most of which are not "incurable".
7. While waiting for the urologist, think about making some changes that will help relieve stress on your bladder and help it heal. To do this, you need to alkalize your system (avoid caffeine, drink alkalized water, avoid citrus fruit and beverages and processed meats, search out IC Diet), investigate things like TENS, meditation, acupuncture and other non-traditional therapies which will all be beneficial until you find your diagnosis.
Above all, keep in mind that there is new research being done in this area all. the. time. There is tons of information on the web for each of the above, and what works for some won't work for others. Keep being your own advocate and stay positive. You won't suffer with this forever! :)
Hi, So I'm going to just say, my symptoms and then explain what I found.. after hours of researching. I feel like I am getting a UTI everyday. Night time is the worst. I take cranberry tablets, and drink tons or water. But, I constantly feel like I have to pee, and when I do its not much at all. It affects my marriage, and my work.. and is extremely frustrating. Google interstitial cystitis. This is exactly what I have. There is no cure..and all you can do is manage your symptoms. Start taking claritin to relieve the urgency feeling and most importantly keep taking cranberry tabletz, i recommend the AZO tablets and drink plenty of water. People who have this.. when they do get a UTI it is much worse than when a normal person experiences it. I hope this helps. Good luck everyone.
I've had the same thing chronic uti's I've had them since I was real little I've been to urologist after urologist also a neurologist ,a uti specialist, and also infectious disease doctors , no one can figure out why I keep getting them I hate going to the hospital but I get them so bad I have fever,chills,nausea,diareah, back,side, and bladder pain, body aches and migraines from not being able to eat or drink in a week I'm just miserable. Most times when I get them they go into my kidneys and cause the kidney and yeast infections too, I get them cleared up and about a week or 2 later it's back again I am beyond frustrated and hate feeling this way. I'm in the hospital now again I have to get Iv antibiotics, pain medicine, nausea medicine, and I'm dehydrated and anemic too. I wonder if I could have I.C too. This is keeping me from holding down jobs, going places etc... They send me home on medicines but I finish them and it's back again I will be 39 next month and I feel like I am 70. I have another urologist appointment when I feel better to do a cytoscope in the bladder and go from there. I also have complications from a surgery I have gastroparesis, and IBS and fibromyalgia, ..my body hates me. I will update everyone after my appointments good luck ....if you need someone who going thru same thing to talk to I'm here. Good luck everyone
4 Comments
My 13 year old daughter is experiencing some of these same issues. I just read about BPS aka bladder pain syndrom. My daughter is an EDS patient. The nephrologist mentioned that EDS patients tend to have bladder issues. Of the antibiotic doesn't seem to help we're off to a Urologist for a scope.
Hi. I'm 15 and I'm kinda experiencing the same thing. This started after loosing my virginity. I don't want to talk to anyone about it and it's not so bad but starting to get worse. I just wanna know what is so I can do some more research??
one early morning I woke up with terrible pain in my left lower back (around my kidney). this pain was like pain I've never had before. I'm 14 years old, not sexually active and I've been through MANY painful experiences, period cycles & procedures etc. this pain was SO bad I was crawling on my knees to get ahold of Advil and clenching onto things while making my way to my parents room and explain to them what was happening. they took me to the ER but by the time I got there the Advil had already kicked in. the doctor explained to me it was just my Colen or something inside cramping up... obviously that wasn't the case. I had the pain the next morning, again it woke me up. this time Advil didn't touch the pain what so ever. I was on the ground crying for HOURS before it went away. it later came back that night and the following morning. I went to my normal doctor and she referred me to the hospital to get an abdominal ultrasound. seconds after getting up from the table where they did this, I started to get this spasm inside of the left side of my stomach. it felt like something inside was being squeezed together and then went back to normal. it did this a few times and each squeeze lasted a few seconds and then it wouldn't come back for a few hours. I got the ultrasound results back and they found nothing. NOTHING. now, (5 days later) I haven't had any of that same pain happen again- BUT now have new pain. in a different location. this time it hurts to pee in my lower stomach and outside. it feels exactly like a UTI/ bladder infection which I have had before. sometimes I can barely go but it hurts so bad and stings tons. I don't know if this is related or not to what I had going on about a week ago. I went to my doctor SURE that this was a bladder infection but they found nothing. no trace of a UTI. I'm in so much pain and the discomfort of not knowing what is happening to me at such a young age is almost as worrisome. I'm beyond frustrated that I have no diagnosis and do not know what to do.
I have the same thing going on with me, any news on your diagnosis? Hope you are well.
Hello, I am 17 and also have this issue. It doesn't just happen for me after sex but i do think that it triggers it. I have a lot of other health complications and one of my doctors said that the "uti feeling" can be associated with various auto immune disorders. I've given up antibiotics and other treatments because none of them work well or efficiently. I'm in school and work full time, I don't have time to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes for 5 minutes screaming in pain. Just want some answers and I'm glad to know I'm not the only one experiencing this
I've always gotten UTIs I'm used to them and the past couple months now it feels like I have been getting these UTI symptoms more frequently, it never quite goes away and when I go to the doctors, results show up negative for a UTI
It's so frustratingly uncomfortable :( I hope one of us finds an answer !
It's so frustratingly uncomfortable :( I hope one of us finds an answer !
I've had over 20 bladder infections in my life, and have been getting them since I was a child. I don't have pain after sex, but I do feel the pelvic pressure for about 30min-1hr after. I've had flair ups in the past few years to where it feels like a bladder infection, but sometimes it's not. I had a "raging bladder infection" last month and took my full course of antibiotics. Of course had to take 2 different kinds because I always get the call a few days later from the doctor saying that the lab test showed my type if bacteria is resistant to the antibiotic they prescribed (happens every time). After antibiotics were done, I was better for about a week. Then, the pain/discomfort returned. I know many women feel the urgency to urinate and have to run to the bathroom or they have an accident. Well, I only feel pelvic pressure, or discomfort in my urethra area. I don't feel urgency, unless I'm drinking many liters of water. I mainly just feel the feeling of fullness, and discomfort, even if my bladder is empty. I do try to drink ALOT of water to urinate often, because if I don't, the pain and discomfort gets worse. There are times I feel like my bladder doesn't empty completely, then the next day, I'm going a lot and it's flowing great! It's so frustrating! I've noticed caffeine definitely irritates my bladder, or sugary, carbonated drinks. Also, spicy foods. Not sure if it's an important factor but, my gallbladder was removed years ago. I have an appointment scheduled for a urogynocologist in a few weeks. Hopefully, they can help me out, and not waste my time. Do any of you have any suggestions, or ideas?? Thanks!
This sounds like Interstitial cystitis (IC) Bladder pain syndrome( BPS)
I am glad to hear I am not the only one going through this issue. It is very frustrating when you go to the doctor with UTI symptoms and they tell you no UTI. I have a history of kidney stones going back 4 years now and since then I have microscopic blood in my urine. Saw a Urologist about it, he did urine tests also did cystoscopy and I even had xray and ct scan of my bladder and kidneys. Nothing is found ever. But why do I have the urge to go like a UTI? I mentioned is it overactive bladder, I am told no, no one ever brings up cystitis, which from what I have read, this sounds like it. I just had another urine test done this week because of the running to the bathroom, it just came back negative again. Someone mentioned checking out what irritates the bladder, I will check that out. Sometimes this happens too after sex, not all the time, but if I have sex a lot. I feel for all you women who are going through the same thing. Why can't we get some answers???
2 Comments
I have a cystoscopy appointment on Monday and
im scared they wont find anything because I've also done a ultra sound xray and CT scan.
im scared they wont find anything because I've also done a ultra sound xray and CT scan.
This sounds like what I have. I have a kidney stone too and keep getting uti symptoms but no infection. Are you bleeding also?
My gp told me to go to John Hopkins and search bladder irritants (there is a long list). Discontinue use of all on list and slowly introduce items. When flare up occurs, item you have ingested in past few days is irritating blatter and upset bladder irritates urethra.
I am about to embark on all the same tests that you are going through because I don't know what else to do mine is worse at night as well
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