flamingpeach

It seems almost everytime I have sex, I get a bladder infection. I'm plagued with them. I'm always on some sort of medication or another to keep them in tune. I've taken all the advice I can get from doctors and practiced it, but nothing seems to help. I've had them so bad that my kidneys have gotten infected and I've been put out for weeks.

Are any of you ladies in the same boat? Do you have any home remedies?

I'm tired of this.

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cheerios

wow... not to sound like a broken record, but have you talked to your doctor, or a urologist(sp?)? Sounds like something more serious is wrong, if they're constant... I'd suggest getting a 2nd opinion from a specialist if they're makng your life miserable like they seem to be! good luck and feel better, hun

Xapphire

cranberry juice and lots of it

I don't know why it helps, I could look it up I guess, but it's enough for me that it works.

sexylady

i used to have the same problem.... i would have a bladder infection at least once a month and it would last a week each time.... it was horrible. my doctor kept telling me the same thing... pee 5 min after sex, wipe front to back, drink llots of cran juice... well that wasn't helpful because i was already doing those things and was still getting the infections... so i finally figured it all out... i was getting the infections after having sex when i was on my period... if i avoided that then i never got them, and i haven't had one in 1.5years now.. that pretty well worked it all out.... if that isn't the problem for you try soaking in a warm bath after you have sex to help clean yourself up... that sometimes helps too.

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SiN

i believe it works by preventing bacteria adhering to the lining of ur urinary tract.

and yes, i 2nd the cranberry juice recommendation.

even better, is go to a healthfood store, and get a bottle of pure unsweetened juice. tastes like shit, but works like medicine.

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G0dd3ss

I don't get them myself...but I feel your pain. Literally. Every now and then I get a UTI...horrible.

As for bladder infections, I hear it's also helpful to cut way back on soda and beer.

Maybe you can do some research online and find a natural remedy...or you can go to the natural food store and they can help you. I think that sometimes you're better off to do your own research, cause a lot of times they're just trying to sell you random shit.

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flamingpeach

Thanks girls, I forgot all about cranberry juice. I'll have to stock up.

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raeanna74

Also drinking lots of water. I've had the same problem. Sometimes it's because the sex is rough enough or your body is situated such that you bruise your urethra. If you pee afterwards that helps. Also when you pee and think your done wait just a bit to get that list few drops that you can always get out. Getting everything you can out helps. I've heard the craberry juice helps because it's the right alkaline to wash out the bacteria. Flushing with water, keeping the right alkaline and also taking asprin to take down inflamation helps too. My Dr also told me to wash my gentals with vinigar solution or pure vinigar to prevent, BV, Yeast and UTI's. It keeps the Ph around there at the right level. Keep sex to a minimum after you notice any funny smell or burning because it will only aggravant the situation. Also don't use baby powder or scented liners because the chemicals can affect the Ph or even irritate. Corn starch is best if you want to stay dry. Good luck and hope things get better soon.

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Plummie

Cranberry juice is acidic (and has a pH similar to that of the vagina) so it keeps unwanted bacteria such as E. coli from sticking around, and it helps maintain the natural flora of the vagina.

One thought I had is do you ever have anal sex then vaginal sex? That is a sure fire way to get a UTI.

I have also heard that for some women, thongs may be the culprit for getting UTI's because the bacteria will travel down the string from the rectum to the urinary tract. Do you wear thongs at all? If so, maybe try switching to cotton bikinis for a while.

Hope you feel better!

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Kim

Plummie

I must disagree. Corn starch is a PERFECT medium for bacterial growth because bacteria feed off the starches and thrive.

Please avoid putting this on your genitals!

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awanderingsoul

One note on drinking water...I had a friend here in the town that I live that was laways having UTIs, then they got a reverse osmosis water treatment filter for their house, and she didn't get them nearly as much. The tap water where I live is really crappy (very hard), and I only drink bottled water. Something to consider...

susartele

I agree that the cran juice from the natural foods store is much stronger than the supermarket variety.
Also, has your bf been checked? Sometimes, infection can be passed back and forth.
I think I would head to a urologist for more info, since that is a lot to put up with.

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Angel

Finally someone hit the nail on the head! UTI's can be transfered back and forth much like a yeast infection can.
All of the treatment and prevention advice that was given was really good and I would follow through with all of it. But most importantly is to get your partner checked. He may not exhibit ANY symptoms and still be a carrier. I'd almost bet the bank that is what is happening here.
Also, when you wash, be sure not to get soap in there as this can create infection as well.

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abaya

Alright, I'm bringing this thread back for more advice.

It appears that I have my first UTI ever. It hurts when I pee, I feel like I have to pee immediately (but not much comes out), and a new one for me... there is red/pink stains on the toilet paper when I wipe. Apparently there is blood in the urine. (There's a chance it's leftover from my period last week, but I doubt it.)

I'm in Seattle with my family, so my usual medical provider is far away. If I go to the doctor here, I'll have to pay a lot more... but I wonder if it's absolutely necessary to get antibiotics (prescription needed)? I try to avoid them as much as possible, but I wonder if there's any homegrown way of treating this. Then again, I've never had the blood show up before, so that has me a bit scared.

Thanks, ladies!

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Sage

If you don't treat a UTI quickly it can very easily travel back up to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection, and those are NASTY and can land you in the hospital. Blood in the urine is a sure sign that your UTI has turned nasty and probably won't be leaving camp anytime soon without some antibiotics. As for the pain right now, get some AZO- it's sold at any pharmacy and it's usually next to the yeast infection creams. It numbs the bladder (and turns your pee orange) and helps you deal with the pain- but it is VERY IMPORTANT to get the UTI itself treated quickly.

Kidney infections = nasty!

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abaya

Okay! Going to make a dr's appointment pronto! Thx Sage.

Btw, it doesn't hurt terribly, so I'm not gonna go for the AZO. But yeah, the pee's still got some pinkness to it, and I had to get up in the middle of the night once or twice to go (which I usually NEVER have to do). So off to the doc I go.

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CaliLivChick

I second Sage's advice about the AZO. It also helps get rid of the frequency feeling. Heck, I use it when I go out drinking... helps avoid breaking the seal early in the evening. =)

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Supple Cow

You need the cipro. I don't think there is any other kind of reliable way to treat a UTI (especially one that's putting blood in your urine) without it. Does your insurance company have a medical emergency form for use outside of your coverage area? You should call them and find out because you may be able to have it insured even if you're in Seattle. As for the blood, just try not to freak out. I had that the one time I had a UTI and it came very suddenly, but it cleared up after only one day of the antibiotics.

Good luck!

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cadre

I've had this problem before and yeah it sucks. I've got the peeing after sex thing down (though it's a pain to do) and that seems to have helped, but it has only been three months so we will see. My doctor told me a couple things that I didn't see here. First of all, you can buy a drug called Uristat over the counter and that helps alot with the pain and frequency if you can't see a doctor right away. Just for the heads up though, it dyes your pee dark orange so don't freak when you notice that. Also, my doctor offered to give me a perscription for a certain antibiotic that you would take after sex to head off an infection. She also said that I could take an antibiotic daily. I decided the first one was a bad idea because I'd use them up quickly but that might be something for you to consider.

I did not know about the cranberry juice thing so thanks for the heads up!

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abaya

Alright faithful TFP ladies...

I got lucky with an early appointment today, and it was right on the money... I had a "rip-snorter" of an infection, according to the doctor. The urine sample had a count of 40-something (dunno what they were counting, but it was a measure of the infection strength), when the normal count is around 5. Yeah, so I got my Cipro, yay!! Taken two already and hoping for good results in coming days. This afternoon my left kidney was starting to ache, so I think I took care of the problem just in time (today was the 3rd day).

Word to the wise: I took my second pill tonight, with a glass of calcium-enriched cranberry juice... bad idea. I read the instructions and apparently Cipro doesn't work as well when it's taken with milk or calcium-enriched fruit juice... but it's okay if you do it with food AND those liquids (the food absorbs the calcium). So I hurried downstairs for a midnight snack!

Also, FYI: Do NOT treat yourself at home for a UTI. The doctor told me that before the advent of modern antibiotics, kidney infections resulting from untreated UTI's were the #1 killer of women. He said his grandmother died in her 40s from an untreated UTI that spread into her kidneys. Take this stuff seriously!!

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Demeter

Just a note to those who despise cranberry juice, you can get cranberry capsules at the health food store, or probably even your grocery store.

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Spiffgirl

Lots of good advice here...I'll just toss in my 2 cents:

Pee often! If you let urine sit in your bladder for hours and hours, it becomes stagnant- a good breeding place for any bacteria that managed to sneak up your urethra. UTI's are very common among healthcare workers who don't get a chance to pee during busy shifts. If you're drinking plenty of fluids, as other ladies have suggested, peeing often will be no problem :-)
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods These things can irritate the bladder.
Stay away from feminine sprays, douches, scented pads, scented tampons, powders, etc. These things can irritate the mucosa of your vagina and surrounding area. The female body is designed to clean itself out- you don't need to be using chemicals to do this. And sprays just mask the odor of a potential problem.
And finally, work to improve your overall health- quit smoking, ease up on the alcohol, more fruits and veggies, plenty of sleep, etc. etc. (things we all know we should be doing, but don't!). If your body is normally strong and healthy, it will stand a better chance of fighting off intruders.
Good luck, and I hope you can find some relief...UTI's are hideous things :-(

UglyThing

so does cranberry juice work oO i dont like feeling like this

Vindicated0411

Oh my goodness! I am so glad to see this thread, well not glad that your having problems but I am in the same boat for sure. In the past year I have had like 9 urinary track infections. I have been to the doctor too and noone seems to have anything that helps. The same as you, once it got to my kidneys and I was down for a week. I am in college, I have spoken with my mom about the matter. She suggested that I go to a urologist. I actually have an appointment in two weeks, if I hear anything of use I will let you know. In the mean time being in the same boat, anyone have anything to share that may help.

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Xera

I was wondering if its just the cranberry juice that works, or can I get a bag of those dried cranberries and munch on them, they taste much better than the juice?

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cadre

Okay so I have a question. Has anyone ever had uti type pain during and after sex but have it go away? I don't think that it's actually an infection because it went away and I my past uti's have come on very quickly. I also noticed that it comes on when my boyfriend stimulates my g-spot.

This happened about three or four times a couple weeks ago and it hasn't happened since but I also haven't gotten a whole lot of that type of stimulation since so that might be why.

Any ideas would be lovely as I haven't heard of this before.

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mikimose

i had once got affected by something called the urine infection..it hurts me everytime when i pee so i went to the doctor..i got better after a few days...so is better to consult a doctor than guessing it yourself...

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Sorcha

It's better to get the juice. Studies show that the juice makes it harder for e. coli to adhere to the lining of the bladder. The "good stuff" that does this is taken out of the dried cranberries in the process used to make it. Try the Dole Cranberry juice...much better than the others You can substitute blueberry juice though, if you can find it. It has the same polymer (suspected for reducing e coli) in it as cranberry, and they're the only two.

surferlove007

I've had my own experiences with UTIs...not a fun road to travel.
The first time I got one I thought I was dying, weird stuff. Yea the blood in the urine and frequent urge to pee was the key sign. My mom had yelled at me when I told her I needed to go to the doctor because of something...my mother and I don't have the best relationship when it comes to anything realistic. So, that was traumatic enough needing my mom to take me, my sister wouldn't.
I do remember feeling cold and sick and like I was about to pass out alot before I went to the doc. I did pass out a couple times, soo don't let it get to that point.
As soon as it is uncomfortable to use the bathroom go see the doc!
UTI = No fun

chicken928

ok this is a somewhat complicated story, but i am in dire need here. i got my period when i did not want to, so my obgyn suggested taking an extra pill to get rid of it. this didnt really work at all, but i kept taking them anyways. i got my period, and then it continued, but it was really light compared to normal. about a week later i had sex, while still taking the pills and yet having this weird, light period. after that i had sex maybe three or so more times over about three weeks, the ENTIRE time with light blood or weird discharge. now, it hurts to pee, i pee really often just because it somewhat stings when i even THINK about peeing, and i get this really liquidy discharge thats light pink and i think i'm still bleeding/spotting. i am petrified that i am pregnant, but i dont see how that could be since i've been on the pill this entire time. then again, i wasnt even supposed to take active pills the entire time, so now the cycle is really screwed up. i cant talk to my obgyn about it for different reasons, but does anyone have any idea what i can do to figure this out (by the way, i'm getting cipro antibiotics in case its a UTI, but could i be pregnant as well?)

amonkie

GET THEE TO DR ASAP!

If you can't talk to your OBGYN, either you've fucked up and know it, or you need a different OBGYN. Doctors can't release info without your consent, if that's your other possible worry.

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relenawolf

don't take Cipro without finding out if you need it. it's very strong. taking it without reason is not nice to your system and risks making it less effective when you do need it.

go to the doctor. if you don't trust your current OB/GYN, go to a new one. or, go to your GP. get a urine sample taken. have them test for UTI and pregnancy. get the answers you need instead of sitting around worrying.

tenniels

Wow, I had no idea UTI's and bladder infections could become so serious. I have never had one *knocks on wood* and am happy I found this information now so in the future I will know to take any symptoms seriously. Thanks you guys

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cadre

Anyone know if white cranberry juice works as well? I can't stand normal cranberry juice but I actually like the new White Cranberry juice that's out now.. I think Ocean Spray makes it.

Oh yes and what about frozen blueberries? I haven't found much about this so far so I figured I'd ask you ladies.

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kelkel

I've never tried white cranberry, but I stand strongly by a glass of cranberry juice a day helps keep the owees away. Also make sure you're drinking your 2L of water a day as well as going to the toilet after every time you have sex.
If this is a frequent thing then it might be a good idea to see your doctor for some anti-biotics to make sure you're mended before you get physical again.

rawr

it seems like this conversation is long over. but it is the reason i joined TFP, because it appears that i have a UTI and i didnt know it until i read this conversation. so um, thanks for sharing ladies. and i am really hoping that someone can answer my question!

so i have all the symptoms that are mentioned above. AND a couple of weeks ago, i needed to pee.. but didnt realise how badly. i coulnt make it to the bathroom in time. it was the most humiliating thing. this is what got me worried, and now all the other symptoms have started. i also have had a bad headache for days and have felt really weak. i really want to avoid going to the doctor, because of money issues. so can anyone tell me how and why this all started? and will the cranberry juice be enough to make it better?
thanks =)

PonyPotato

Cranberry juice will most likely NOT be enough to make it better. My bf got a UTI (probably from me having one a couple of weeks prior) and treated it at home by drinking tons of water and cranberry juice, but though the pain dulled he still had blood in his urine. He got some antibiotics and it finally cleared up.

I've been plagued by UTIs on and off since I was 10 years old. Now that I'm in a very sexually active relationship, I'm taking cranberry supplements in addition to the other normal precautions (drink lots of water, pee right after sex, etc.). I haven't had another UTI since February, and I'm hoping they're gone for good.

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shesus

rawr, unfortunately, UTIs usually need antibiotics to be cured. As merleniau said, cranberry juice and drinking lots of water can help, but isn't a cure.

You should be going to a gynecologist once a year if you are sexually active. When I would get them, I'd just call the doctor's office and they would call in a prescription for me. I had no office visit charge.

Those are painful and may lead to other, possibly more serious, infections, it is good to take care of it ASAP.

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Grasshopper Green

rawr, is there a local health clinic you can go to? When I was young and working for minimum wage, that's where I went - very reduced rates for the visit and my meds.

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JustJess

Frankly, the fact that you now have a headache plus the usual symptoms makes me worry it's gotten worse than just a UTI. Are you having new onset back pain now? (have someone tap your back with a closed fist firmly where your bottom-most ribs meet your spine. if that hurts a LOT, go to the ER right now just in case it's hit your kidneys.)

You could probably get this taken care of at a clinic or maybe even Planned Parenthood. But you must go now. Really. What happens... is that we get an infection in the urethra (the peeing out part) and if we don't take care of it, it moves up to the bladder. And then the ureters (tubes to the kidneys). And then the kidneys. And then you are in a whole world of trouble, because it's now systemic and much more serious. Anything past the bladder, and you'll probably need to be admitted for IV antibiotics. And that's much more expensive!!

A simple course of antibiotics would take care of the whole mess if you just do it when the UTI starts. Tell the doctor/clinic/whomever the issue, maybe they can help. Most of the time, the meds are really cheap because you can get them in a generic version, it's just the actual visit that truly costs. But not going? Far more expensive.

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