thanks so much for all your supportive advice ladies :)
i actually decided to go for a doctors appointment in the end. just decided it wasnt worth putting my health on the line. just got home now with some antibiotics and a bottle of cran juice... and it is luckily just a bladder infection, and nothing more serious.

merleniau, is it possible that my boyfriend could now catch this infection from me? my doc said that it is very unlikely for guys to get it, they usually have an internal problem and should go see a urologist right away...

anyway, im really glad i have learnt about this now

Just like a yeast infection, a UTI can be passed between partners as well. Guys very rarely get them, yes, but that's because they have MUCH longer urethras than women. Just like me, my guy got a bladder infection. Just like me, he got better with antibiotics and plenty of fluids. If your boyfriend gets symptoms anything like yours, it is more than reasonable to assume he has a UTI since you recently had one and therefore seeing a urologist may be unwarranted. If he developed the same symptoms at a time when you haven't had a UTI.. then it might be reasonable to worry.

Your probably get these UTIs because you use soap to wash your vaginal area. Not a good thing to do. Do not wash that area with soaps. Instead use a washcloth and water in the shower only. This keeps the soap from entering your urinary tract and also keeps a healthy balance of NORMAL and healthy bacteria. Also avoid douching of any kind. It's not necessary. Bubble baths are bad for people prone to UTIs. I avoid baths altogether and take showers only. Those "feminine" sprays....avoid them too. Basically, the only thing you want to put near your vaginal area is water! It's the only thing that won't upset your system. Also to, make sure you wipe from front to back so you don't get feces in that area when you are wiping. I use non-scented baby wipes instead of toilet paper when at home to make sure I get cleaner. When having sex, make sure your partner doesn't touch the anal area and then the vaginal area because that puts bacteria and feces in an area that we don't want it in!