Chronic Urinary Tract Infections?!?!

[tron]

I get LOTS of UTI's. I'm a girl. I'm to the point of not wanting to have sex because I'm afraid I'll get one, and the doctor says if they keep up she's going to prescribe an anti-biotic to take after every sexual encounter!! My bf is getting tired of me pulling away, and I am too, but I'm sick of getting them. So, what have I done to curb them? Shower and clean up before and after, never let him touch me without having washed his hands, taking cranberry supplements, no sodas, little caffeine, lots of water...
Does this happen to anyone else?? Does anyone have any suggestions?? I'm getting desperate down south....

 

[EJFan]

i don't know if this will help in any substantial way, but you might want to add wearing cotton panties to your regimen. if i remember right they're supposed to be healthier in regards to UTI-prone women.

or am i thinking of yeast infections? sorry, i'm just a guy... but trying to help any way i can. an ex used to have a similar problem and i can empathize.

good luck!

 

[tron]

UTI Panty Reply

I pretty much abide by the cotton panty rule, or at least panties with a cotton liner. And I never hang out in underwear / jogging shorts after I've exercised or just had sex, and change them often, etc. But thanks for the tip!!

 

[BBWetKitty]

I get LOTS of UTI's. I'm a girl. I'm to the point of not wanting to have sex because I'm afraid I'll get one, and the doctor says if they keep up she's going to prescribe an anti-biotic to take after every sexual encounter!! My bf is getting tired of me pulling away, and I am too, but I'm sick of getting them. So, what have I done to curb them? Shower and clean up before and after, never let him touch me without having washed his hands, taking cranberry supplements, no sodas, little caffeine, lots of water...
Does this happen to anyone else?? Does anyone have any suggestions?? I'm getting desperate down south....

Are you possibly drinking a lot of beer or alcohol? Those kinds of 'sugars' in alcohol arent that great. Try drinking iced tea - it's good for you, helps clear out those free radicals from the body too. Also, try taking a hot bath in lemon water. That helps release toxins from the bod too and it smells great!
Cotton panties are a must - helps things uhm. breath. Are you possibly allergic to latex? I mean if thats youre choice of bc, may want to try something else.

Ok, Im tapped! Good luck!

 

[tron]

Well, I do drink a bit, but definitely not beer. Cocktails every now and then, maybe some red wine with dinner, too. I don't drink to an excess, though, and I often go days upon days without a sip.
I've pretty much sworn off baths and stick to showers because I was told baths aren't good for either yeast infections or UTI's. But the lemon sounds like a good idea.
No latex birthcontrol here; I'm on the pill and have been with the bf for years.
And I'm going to stick with the cottons and let it breath --- oh, and also, I never sleep with the undies (or much else) on -- so there's at least air when I'm sleeping.

 

[SkyBluAngelEyes]

Well, there are some other things you may want to try.

Drinking lots of water and/or cranberry juice is great. Helps clean the bladder.

Have your boyfriend wear a condom during sex. It's usually the semen that travels up the urethra and causes infection.

I know it's a pain, but get up after that great sex and "clean up". Urinating right afterward will help clean out the bladder.

I don't think I'd want to be taking anti-biotics all the time. I think that would do more harm than good.

Good luck!!

 

[Mermaid]

I get LOTS of UTI's. I'm a girl. I'm to the point of not wanting to have sex because I'm afraid I'll get one, and the doctor says if they keep up she's going to prescribe an anti-biotic to take after every sexual encounter!! My bf is getting tired of me pulling away, and I am too, but I'm sick of getting them. So, what have I done to curb them? Shower and clean up before and after, never let him touch me without having washed his hands, taking cranberry supplements, no sodas, little caffeine, lots of water...
Does this happen to anyone else?? Does anyone have any suggestions?? I'm getting desperate down south....

I'm not sure if your doc suggested this, but it could be your bf has an infection. He could be reinfecting you each time. Maybe have him go in for a check up, just to be sure...

 

[tron]

Rather go bald than wear a condom...

I am thinking of going brazilian bald, at this point I'll try anything. Does anyone think that would work?

And I'd much rather be bald than wear a condom... but I hadn't thought of the semen. We do use lube sometimes, though, and I've wondered if that could be it. The lube is water-based and non-smelly / non-colored, it seems pretty pure and doesn't sting like some brands. It's called Liquid Silk.
Also, I do get up right afterwards and urinate, sometimes even during (aside: not a golden shower, I literally get up during sex to go pee if we've been going awhile); and I drink water and pure unsweetened cranberry juice, too.
And I still get UTIs. *sigh*

 

[tron]

I'm not sure if your doc suggested this, but it could be your bf has an infection. He could be reinfecting you each time. Maybe have him go in for a check up, just to be sure...

I'll mention that to him, but I thought the risk of re-infection was more with yeast infections than UTIs.

 

[LadyJeanne]

UTI's are caused by bacteria entering the bladder through the urethra. If you are having any kind of anal sex (fingers, penis, toys, tongue), and those items are then placed in or near the vagina and/or urethra without being cleaned first, you could be getting infected that way.

Good luck!

 

[SweetErika]

It sounds like we're mixing up UTIs and yeast infections here.

I just noticed the other day that certain positions involve more contact with the urethra...are you using a position or doing something during foreplay that "rubs you the wrong way" so to speak frequently?

You said you had a cleansing regimen down, but what about him...does he wash everything that comes in contact with you before every encounter?

Are you using toys at all?

Is there any way you could be getting cross-contamination from anal activities?

Have you tried those antibacterial wipes you use before giving a urine sample?

Are you urinating frequently enough during the day?

Has this ever happened with another partner?

Have you been checked for other STIs?

Do you get an infection when you don't have intercourse?

Apart from investigating these types of things further, taking supplements (be careful...a lot of supplements don't have enough of or a high quality active ingredient to be effective), drinking lots of water and acidic things (like tea and cranberry juice), and making sure your immune system is up to par, I don't know there's much else you can do.

 

[intelligencenazi]

Infections are definitely not pleasant.

This thread might be helpful:

https://forum.literotica.com/showthread.php?t=300793

And here are a couple of links. You can find more just by running a google search.

http://www.women-health.com/uti.html
http://herpes-coldsores.com/std/urinary_tract_infections.htm

If nothing else works, take the antibiotics. Personally, I hate antibitiotics. When I took them I got infections more frequently. What finally worked for me was drinking tons of cranberry juice and just letting my immune system take care of things - it got strong enough to do so over time. The in between time was hell, though, and it was probably a different situation for me. I was born with spina bifida occulta and due to problems with my nerves and such I have to use a catheter (intermittent self-catheterization - not long-term catheterization with a bag) which introduces bacteria and leads to chronic infections. So if I continued taking antibiotics I would probably end up taking them rather often for the rest of my life. I'm sure antibiotics are a much better idea for someone who won't have to take them forever. So that's my long, rambling two cents worth. Good luck.

 

[tron]

Well as far as toy are concerned, we do use a small vibrator, but it's only for clitoral stimulation, and is never anywhere near my anus and it’s cleaned between each use. We do do some anal play (fingers, and anal sex on occasion), but we are very careful as we know that is really good way to get an infection.

Never tried those anti bacterial wipes but we do shower right after sex, and sometimes before... perhaps we will have to start doing that more, but that sure seems like a lot of showers… can one be too clean??

Sometimes I think I might urinate too much. ;-)

I'm routinely checked for the common STDs, and have regular PAPS.

It’s hard to say about the infections with out intercourse.... I've been having regular sex with the same bf for several years now (thank god). I did get some UTIs with another bf in the past too though.

Maybe we will have to try some new positions that will limit the urethral rubbing... that's hard though... I love to be face to face with him during sex...

 

[SweetErika]

Well as far as toy are concerned, we do use a small vibrator, but it's only for clitoral stimulation, and is never anywhere near my anus and it’s cleaned between each use. We do do some anal play (fingers, and anal sex on occasion), but we are very careful as we know that is really good way to get an infection.

Never tried those anti bacterial wipes but we do shower right after sex, and sometimes before... perhaps we will have to start doing that more, but that sure seems like a lot of showers… can one be too clean??

Sometimes I think I might urinate too much. ;-)

I'm routinely checked for the common STDs, and have regular PAPS.

It’s hard to say about the infections with out intercourse.... I've been having regular sex with the same bf for several years now (thank god). I did get some UTIs with another bf in the past too though.

Maybe we will have to try some new positions that will limit the urethral rubbing... that's hard though... I love to be face to face with him during sex...

I'm obviously not a medical professional, but I'd think both of you showering/cleaning BEFORE sex would be more important to the infections than after. Ask your doctor if those antibacterial wipes might help though too.

I like face to face also, but if you want to avoid the antibiotics, you may have to forgo any activities that could be causing it...process of elimination. If it does turn out to be a position, you shouldn't have a problem tweaking it a little to avoid the infection, right?

I feel for ya...good luck with the detective work!

 

[Saucy American]

I got chronic UTIs as well. Sometimes, I feel all the symptoms but end up not having one, so at this point it's still a mystery as to what I'm doing to feel symptoms, as I avoid almost exclusively alcohol, carbonated beverages, etc. I always get up and pee right after sex. I cut my pubic hair short so stuff doesn't get "stuck" in it (this has helped somewhat). My doctor told me that broad spectrum antibiotics actually can increase the chances you will get a yeast infection, so you may end up just trading evils, so to say. Has your doctor run any other tests, maybe your UTIs are a symptom of something else going on? Also, women who are prone to UTIs sometimes have shorter urethras. My sister is also prone to UTIs. We've both had them since we were young, before we became sexually active. It's not fun, I feel your pain.

 

[boston_bbw]

You got the cotten panties rule covered as well as the cranberry juice. If you don't drink cranberry juice they also have cranberry pills that can be taken like a daily vitamin or supplement. Obviously the emptying of the bladder both before and after and even when you think your done, cough. It seems to push out a few extra drops of urine. Aside from that I would say it is time for a urology work up to be sure there is nothing wrong with the bladder or kidney function or shape it's self.

 

[Lady Legs]

I had Chronic UTIs beginning from age 4, nothing worked short of a perment course of antibotics (EWW!) In the end, when I moved to an Adult Urologist he did several tests and found I had a bad kidney, got it removed when I was 19.

8 years later, I still get UTIs but nowhere near as many. I wont say that I don't still have problems, I do. I have to go to the toliet every two hours or so which can be a bind but I feel healthly, happy and have a loving man. I live with one kidney fine, I have no problems with diet or alcohol.

tron - If you are just seeing a doctor, get him to refer you to a Urologist as it sounds like more then just a simple "bad case" of UTIs. It could like someone else said that you are just prone to them but at least a urologist could give you specialist advise on what to do. It's better to be checked then find out later nothing can be done.

 

[Bluewolfcry]

I had Chronic UTIs beginning from age 4, nothing worked short of a perment course of antibotics (EWW!) In the end, when I moved to an Adult Urologist he did several tests and found I had a bad kidney, got it removed when I was 19.

8 years later, I still get UTIs but nowhere near as many. I wont say that I don't still have problems, I do. I have to go to the toliet every two hours or so which can be a bind but I feel healthly, happy and have a loving man. I live with one kidney fine, I have no problems with diet or alcohol.

tron - If you are just seeing a doctor, get him to refer you to a Urologist as it sounds like more then just a simple "bad case" of UTIs. It could like someone else said that you are just prone to them but at least a urologist could give you specialist advise on what to do. It's better to be checked then find out later nothing can be done.

I agree with this one! If over the counter and home remedies have not worked you should go see a urologist!

YOu might also want to try Uristat, it is an over the counter pill. Take it as soon as you start to feel the onset of a UTI, it will usually take car eof everything right away!

Another good idea is to stop using dry tiolet tissue. They have new bath tissue that is wet and comes on a roll and a special holder. IT is pretty inexpensive considering that you use less than the paper stuff! IT should make sure that absolutely nothing is cross contaminating.

IT also sounds fairly obvious that it could be linked to the BF. (since you didn't have this problem with priors) I would suggest that when you go to the urologist that you bring BF. IT may sound strange but if you explain what is going on to the Dr. then he mgiht have some questions for BF. IF your BF refuses to go with you, that should be a warning sign!!!!

Good LUck Honey!

 

[red_jane_doe]

I have the same problem. Last year I got 5 UTIs definitely related to sex. Going to the bathroom afterwards never does it for me. I found that I always get one if I've been on top. I automatically drink cranberry juice immediately after having sex and for a few days after. This last time I felt it coming, I drank the juice and took 6 cranberry pills a day for a few days and it seemed to ward it off.

In between sexual escapades, I drink a glass of diluted cranberry juice every day to try and keep things cleaned out.

 

[Eilan]

I don't know if anyone else has brought this up yet, but do you use tampons? I went through a phase a few years back where I'd get UTI's immediately after my period was over. It seemed to me that this began after I'd started using tampons regularly. I don't know it there was a connection or not, but the number of infections decreased after I went back to using pads. I've since gone back to tampons without any problems.

When my ex-husband and I married back in 1994, I started having UTI's about every 2-3 months or so. My doctor called it "honeymoon cystitis." I never got to the point where I had to take antibiotics after sex, but my doctor did mention it. For some reason, I just quit having them; I haven't had one since 1999.

I agree with the people who said you should see a urologist (if you haven't already).

 

[PrincessHoney]

if you do get either a UTI or Yeast infection cold natural yoguart (straight from fridge) can sooth...........

 

[tron]

I got chronic UTIs as well. Sometimes, I feel all the symptoms but end up not having one, so at this point it's still a mystery as to what I'm doing to feel symptoms, as I avoid almost exclusively alcohol, carbonated beverages, etc. I always get up and pee right after sex. I cut my pubic hair short so stuff doesn't get "stuck" in it (this has helped somewhat). My doctor told me that broad spectrum antibiotics actually can increase the chances you will get a yeast infection, so you may end up just trading evils, so to say. Has your doctor run any other tests, maybe your UTIs are a symptom of something else going on? Also, women who are prone to UTIs sometimes have shorter urethras. My sister is also prone to UTIs. We've both had them since we were young, before we became sexually active. It's not fun, I feel your pain.

Hmm... I used to wax and cut almost everything, and I was wondering if I should start doing it again. I'm going to. I don't remember if I was having fewer back in those years, b/c I never linked the two, but I'm going to try it.

 

[tron]

Note to Lady Legs and BlueWolfCry --

I think the next one that gets serious enough (please don't let there be a next one... I just got off a round of antibiotics less than a month ago from one that I'd apparently let go a long time and somehow -- this is sad -- gotten used to the discomfort and wasn't even recognizing how bad it was until I went in for a PAP and they were like, "honey, you've got a massive infection) anyhow, back to my point, if I get another one that I can't ward off on my one I'm going to insist on a urologist. (I'm on student health insurance, though, and they tend to want to shuffle you around the student health center... of which I'm sure there is no urologist.)

I would rather try a urologist first before going on long term antibiotics. I really don't like that idea, but if that what it takes to get me back in the bedroom...

 

[tron]

IT also sounds fairly obvious that it could be linked to the BF. (since you didn't have this problem with priors) I would suggest that when you go to the urologist that you bring BF. IT may sound strange but if you explain what is going on to the Dr. then he mgiht have some questions for BF. IF your BF refuses to go with you, that should be a warning sign!!!!

Good LUck Honey!

He'll go. He hasn't been tested for anything in a couple of years; now he's saying he needs to go in. But if I ask him to go to a urologist with me so we can both be examined, he'll go.
I'm willing to bet he'd even pay if my insurance wouldn't. He's good.

 

[tron]

I don't know if anyone else has brought this up yet, but do you use tampons? I went through a phase a few years back where I'd get UTI's immediately after my period was over. It seemed to me that this began after I'd started using tampons regularly. I don't know it there was a connection or not, but the number of infections decreased after I went back to using pads. I've since gone back to tampons without any problems.

When my ex-husband and I married back in 1994, I started having UTI's about every 2-3 months or so. My doctor called it "honeymoon cystitis." I never got to the point where I had to take antibiotics after sex, but my doctor did mention it. For some reason, I just quit having them; I haven't had one since 1999.

I agree with the people who said you should see a urologist (if you haven't already).

I do use tampons. Exclusively. I hate pads and haven't used them since I was a little teenager. I use the o.b. (insert them yourself) ones. And I don't know if I get them right after my period, but I'm going to start paying attention to that, too. Thanks!