Recourring UTI

[DanaDaisys]

I am a 32F and I have had UTI probs as long as I can remember.

here is a timeline - you tell me what the deal is?

2wks ago - felt a UTI coming on - had to go to the GYN anyway for a checkup - found out I had vaginal bacteria infection - and a UTI.  She Rx'd me heavy AB's and I was fine.  

2 days after the AB's were completed, I have sex (and take my low dose AB before as instructed) and I get a UTI 3hrs after sex.  

Next day - go to the GYN and I text negative for UTI.  She Rx's me more ABs and gives me a card to see a UroGyn.  I found out later on that he doesnt take my Ins.

A week later (yesterday) - Out of the blue, come down with UTI symtoms again.  After taking all those AB's for the past two weeks, I am boggled.  I now have blood in the urine, which is common for me but only when its bad.  As well as tiny tiny clots.  Im taking more ABs which will probably give me yet ANOTHER yeast infection.  Ive had 3 already in 2 months!

Now, I went to a Urologist last year.  The did all the tests, did the scope, and nothing.  They just said my pelvic floor is weak and I may need a sling (I also suffer from moderate incontenence) but I plan on having a baby in the next year so I will get it after.

Any help or insight is greatly apprieciated.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Women with an underlying problem of incontinence were shown to have a higher risk of UTI. I suggest that you have your incontinence assessed by your gynecologist. You may discuss your concerns with regards to getting pregnant with your gynecologist. During pregnancy,the body undergoes several changes due to a surge and fluctuations of hormones. The kidneys,bladder and ureters also undergo changes during pregnancy. The pelvic muscles also undergo certain changes as it accommodates the fetus. There seems to be a lot of factors that you need to weigh here. Your primary physician may be able to guide you in making a decision between having the pelvic muscles fixed and  becoming pregnant.You may discuss the implications of pregnancy given your condition of incontinence and recurrent UTI's.

[DanaDaisys]

Hi Vanessa

I am not sure what the difference between a urine culture and a regular urine test I get when I go the dr for a UTI.  

When I went to the Urologist last year, I had several tests done...cancer being one of them...all were negative.  I also had a CT scan of my lower abdomen to rule out stones and all came back negative.  

As for the urgent need to void, yes.  But it isnt severe.  I often cant fall asleep if I have the smallest amount to void.  I do have the urgency in the morning to go to the bathroom right away.

My GYN said that my urethra was slanted.  She said that was because of the pelvic floor being weak.

I just went to the bathroom about an hour ago after being out and running errands for an hour and the urge was very very strong when I got home, I had to run to the bathroom.  I also passed one of the biggest clots Ive seen.  It looked like mucus but blood tinged.  

I called my Urologist and Im having him call me back.  I am also taking OTC pain meds for UTI but they dont seem to be helping - which worries me because they have always worked very well with me.  Im also taking bactrim.

Thanks

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

During one of your consults ,were they able to do a urine culture ?

Was a urodynamic study done to determine any urinary retention in the bladder?

Recurrent UTI's that may seem to be unresponsive to antibiotics may require further assessment. One has to rule out bladder stones, kidney and ureteral stones, any irritation or lesions in the urinary tract as well as structural abnormalities. I believe this must have been ruled out in your case.

A urine culture may be able to guide treatment. Also , with a history of urinary incontinence do you experience any prior urinary urgency? Is there an urgent need to void at times? Is there any associated increase in urinary frequency especially at night?