Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Urology (Expert Forum)
What is the treatment for recurring bladder infections? How do I prevent them?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
What is the treatment for recurring bladder infections? How do I prevent them?
by foreignerinKorea, Oct 10, 2005 12:00AM
Dear doctor,
I am a foreigner living in Korea and have limited access to English speaking doctors.
I have been getting recurring bladder infections for the past 1.5 years. On average I experience one infection every 4-6 weeks. I have found some relief by taking over the counter sachets of cystitis medication; however, I feel like I need to take these frequently when I feel discomfort, so I don't get a full blown infection.
When I was living in the west I was told that the infections were due to my boyfriend and I having sexual relations. This was explained as a "honeymoon period" and usually only lasts for 3 months or so or until your body builds up a resistance to the new bacteria.
I am wondering why, after 1.5 years with the same partner, I am still getting so many infections? We use condoms during intercourse as was suggested by a doctor; however, the infections keep occuring (about 3-4 days after intercourse).
Do you think there is a more serious problem occuring here? What do you suggest for medical treatment or tests that I can ask the doctors here to do? Please help, as this is such a frustruating thing for both my partner and I to deal with, not to mention being treated by doctors who don't always speak English.
I am a foreigner living in Korea and have limited access to English speaking doctors.
I have been getting recurring bladder infections for the past 1.5 years. On average I experience one infection every 4-6 weeks. I have found some relief by taking over the counter sachets of cystitis medication; however, I feel like I need to take these frequently when I feel discomfort, so I don't get a full blown infection.
When I was living in the west I was told that the infections were due to my boyfriend and I having sexual relations. This was explained as a "honeymoon period" and usually only lasts for 3 months or so or until your body builds up a resistance to the new bacteria.
I am wondering why, after 1.5 years with the same partner, I am still getting so many infections? We use condoms during intercourse as was suggested by a doctor; however, the infections keep occuring (about 3-4 days after intercourse).
Do you think there is a more serious problem occuring here? What do you suggest for medical treatment or tests that I can ask the doctors here to do? Please help, as this is such a frustruating thing for both my partner and I to deal with, not to mention being treated by doctors who don't always speak English.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Oct 10, 2005 12:00AM
, Oct 10, 2005 12:00AM
Anatomical abnormalities of the lower urinary tract can make one more prone to infections. A cystoscopy or pyelogram can be considered to evaluate for this possibility.
If chronic infections become a problem (i.e. more than 3-4 per year), you can consider prophylactic medictions to prevent future infection.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
If chronic infections become a problem (i.e. more than 3-4 per year), you can consider prophylactic medictions to prevent future infection.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com
