Is this an ongoing uti?

Hi.
About 3 weeks ago, I came down with a typical bladder infection. I was prescribed Bactrim for 3 days. At the end of the 3 days I no longer had the pain upon urination, but I was still feeling a constant burning and need to urinate. I was put on another 3 days of Bactrim. At the end of those three days I did not have a constant burning feeling, but would have an occaisional episode where it would hurt and burn and it would pass. These episodes have continued for the past 3 weeks. The symptoms seem to get better if I have fluid in my bladder. For example, when I get the feeling of burning, I drink a very large glass of water and after my bladder fills, the burning resides. The burning seems to be more apparent if I am dehydrated and have not had a glass of water for an extended period of time. I bought the AZO self test kit for urinary tract infections and it came back negative for both nitrates and wbcs. My history involves a ruptured bladder at the age of 2 and I am very prone to bladder infections. I have had several over the last few years. I have not changed sexual partners in 5 years and there is no question of std's.
My question is, Are these symptoms indicative of an ongoing infection, or can these symptoms be a part of something else? I am baffled by the negative test result with no pain on urination but a burning that is relieved by downing a glass of water and "rinsing" my bladder.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You can consider another urinalysis and culture.  If the culture grows out bacteria that is resistant to the Bactrim, another antibiotic may be necessary.

If infection has been completely ruled out, you can consider a referral to a urologist.  Strictures or polyps can cause burning and a cystoscopy can be considered to evaluate for these conditions.

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

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