Frequency/Urgency problem - negative urine culture, but high WBC.

I had 2 UTI in 3 week period. The second one was 3 weeks ago, but I'm still having urinary frequency/urgency problem. I've got 2 urinylsis and culture tests last week. Both culture tests came back negative. I'm assuming I do not have UTI or Kinday infection if both cultures came back negative. Am I right? My doctor mentioned that I have quite high white blood cell count in my urine. What does this mean? does this mean I have bad inflmmation in my bladder or something more serious? I'm mostly concerned about WBC, and hoping you can explain to me what this could be. I have no other symptoms beside frequency/urgency. I have a urologist appointment in July which is very far away, so I'd like to get some information on my condition. Please help. My doctor mentioned possible Interestitial Cystitis, but I thought with IC, there is no infection or high WBC.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A UTI can still be present despite a negative culture test.  An elevated WBC in the urine is highly suggestive of continuing infection.  If the symptoms persist despite appropriate antibiotic treatment, you can consider other diagnoses.  IC can be considered - and tested via a potassium sensitivity test.  

If you are a male, a prostate exam should be done, and prostatic fluid sent off to evaluate for prostatitis.  A pelvic ultrasound or CT scan can be considered to look for an abscesses.  

If the UTI become recurrent after continued treatment, prophylactic antibiotics can be considered.  

These options can be discussed with your urologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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