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Travel Medicine (Expert Forum)
UTI Kenya
Answered by
Philip Parks, MD - Occupational Safety, Occupational Health, Travel Medicine, Environmental Health
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston - MA
Questions in the Travel Medicine forum are answered by Dr. Philip D Parks, affiliated with Harvard School of Public Health. Topics covered include disease prevention, finding a doctor abroad, food and water safety, illness and injury abroad, mosquito and tick protection, resources for travelers, traveling with children or pets, traveling with special needs, vaccinations and immunizations.
UTI Kenya
by Chelstar, Mar 01, 2008 12:02AM
I Volunteered in Kenya for three months in 2005. While I was there, I contracted a bladder infection from swimming in an overcrowded pool. I didn't realize it at the time, but the symptoms started while I was there and continued for several months afterwards until it progressed into a kidney infection. I took antibiotics for the kidney infection and was fine. Ever since I have had recurring bladder infections/UTIs at least twice a month. The symptoms are minimal. Just a very sudden and intense need to urinate that is not always alleviated by urinating. Sometimes I don't even know I have one until a doctor tells me I do. Before my trip I had never had a UTI. I am doing everything that I know of to prevent them: taking cranberry supplements, drinking plenty of water, urinating after sex, wiping front to back, staying away from sugar, keeping myself clean, not swimming in public pools, etc. But to no avail. They always show up again. I am getting concerned about how often I am taking antibiotics.
My question is, am I just very prone to UTIs, or could this have something to do with the fact that I got the initial infection in Kenya?
My question is, am I just very prone to UTIs, or could this have something to do with the fact that I got the initial infection in Kenya?
Doctor's Answer
by Philip Parks, MD, Mar 01, 2008 11:33AM
, Mar 01, 2008 11:33AM
To: Chelstar
Dear Chelstar:
A difficult question (and answer).
What does your primary care provider believe is going on?
Has your provider cultured and tested sensitivity of the bacteria(s) that are causing the recurrent UTIs?
What antibiotics have been used over the last three years?
Have you had recurrent yeast infections as well?
I will provide a more complete answer to your questions after you provide a bit more information.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
A difficult question (and answer).
What does your primary care provider believe is going on?
Has your provider cultured and tested sensitivity of the bacteria(s) that are causing the recurrent UTIs?
What antibiotics have been used over the last three years?
Have you had recurrent yeast infections as well?
I will provide a more complete answer to your questions after you provide a bit more information.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
My doctors have cultured the bacteria, to make sure I was on the right antibiotics. All they told me was that the antibiotics they gave me should clear it up. If that is what you mean.
The antibiotics--I am not entirely sure if I remember all of them, I know I've taken Cipro, levaquin, and amoxicillin.
I have only gotten two yeast infections, right after taking a course of antibiotics. Which I my doctor said were caused by the antibiotics.
I hope this helps. Thank you very much.
Chelsea
The recommendation to see a urologist by one of the providers that you have seen is a recommendation to strongly consider.
The urologist may do additional tests that could explain why you are having recurrent UTI's and with such an explanation, may have advice that could prevent future occurrences and the need for repeated courses of antibiotics.
The initial infections that you experienced in Kenya may be related only because that infection caused inflammation of our genitourinary tract (urethra, bladder, ureters [tubes that connect the bladder to the kidneys], and kidneys).
Insurance coverage of the urology referral and additional diagnostic tests is a tough barrier to you getting the care that you likely need. The cost of this referral and diagnostic work-up might be worth it to you in the long-term.
You might consider asking your primary care provider or the administrator of your student health insurance what the co-payment costs would be for this referral. And, similarly, you could ask them the same questions regarding the eventual recommended diagnostic tests.
Taking charge of your health can require an investment on your part.
I encourage you to work with your primary care provider to investigate treatable causes of your recurrent UTI's.
~•~ Dr. Parks
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.