bladder/ kindey problems

I am newly married and i was a virgin before we got married. Well we have been married for over 6 months and I have had 6 or so bladder infections and Kidney infections. Then I also have the symptoms of a bladder infection more than once a week, but it only lasts a day. We have sex about 3 times a week, so i know its not that. BUT im in SOO much pain!! I have been treated with antibiotics more times than i can count. I have been to the ER for the pain but they could not do anything for me. Could I have something more than bladder infection and kidney infection??

[jsang083]

I am also experienced with frequent bladder infections (both bacterial and nonbacterial).
As soon as my boyfriend and I began intervourse, the symptoms were there.  If you have talked to your doctor about this, I am sure that they have told you that sexual intercourse is a great way for bacteria to travel from the anus to the vagina (causing bladder infections).  You cannot say that you KNOW it is not sex, because bacteria obviously you are not going to get an infection with every time you have intercourse.  Because you are getting a day or so a week with pain, and then it subsides, you may want to do some research on Interstitial Cystitis, also knows as painful bladder syndrome.  This is caused my the inner membrane of the bladder deteriorating (it can get pretty painful and severe- talk to your doc about it).  The deterioration causes histamine release and causes urine to be acidic.  This gives the same symptoms as a UTI but there is no bacteria present.  Because of the random painful days you are experiencing, it could be brought on my an interstitical cystitis (IC) attack.  This can be brought on by diet (acidic drinks and fruits are a NO NO), wearing tight pants (bruises the vulva by rubbing), perfumed soaps and detergents (causes chemical attack on urinary tract), and sexual intercourse (positions that rub against the vulva or are uncomfortable cause cause bruising the vulva).  Remember: Always urinate before and after sex to cleanse the tract.  To reduce pain after intercourse, use a wash bottle to run COLD water over the vuvla while sitting on a toilet (this will bring down inflammation and swelling of the vaginal area).  When you have day attacks not associated with sex, use a wash bottle with WARM water when you urinate to reduce discomfort on the toilet.  In addition, to reduce bacterial infection, bottle wash with soap (on the toilet using a pelvic tilt) after every bowel movement and after sex.  Use a dry, clean towel to pat yourself dry...do not use toilet paper as bacteria can attach to it.  Bottle washing helped me a lot...it may seem awkward or embarassing at first, but it is easy to keep a water bottle under the sink for use.

So, in summary...

To prevent attacks on bladder or bacterial infection...
-Refrain from concetrated fruit juices and citrus fruits (do not drink cranberry juice even though  many say it helps; it could help with infection, but if it is IC, it makes it worse)
-Use the bottle washing technique during attacks (WARM or COLD), after intercourse (COLD) and after bowel movements (WARM with soap).

To help alleviate some of the pain....
-Place a hot water bottle between your thighs...this will help reduce pain of the vulva
-Drink a lot of water
-sometimes alkaseltzers helps to reduce the acidity of the urine

Anyways I hope this helps.  Definitely talk to you doc about IC...there are treatments (though not 100%) for it if it gets severe.