Frequent Utis-- Please Help!

My mom dealt w/ UTI about as often as it sounds like you have them while I was growing up.... she did all the same things you are doing as well. She hardly ever gets them now because she has boosted her immune system by adding Juice Plus+ to her diet. It is fruits & veggies that have been put into capsule form. Research shows that fruits & veggies helps to balance the immune system... I have added it to my family's diet too because I knew we weren't getting enough fruits & veggies.... I have noticed that we don't get sick as often & I have more energy which is so nice for a mom! I actually signed up as a distributor so you can check out my website for more info. jphealth.net/C.

I use grapefruit seed extract caplets for UTI. Takes care of it every time.

Hi V.,

I suffered from frequent UTI's for 3 or 4 years when I first got married. I too did all the right things but still seemed to get them. They stopped for awhile but when I was pregnant with my first daughter I had horrible kidney stones during the pregnancy and was hospitalized twice. I just had my second daughter and passed stones during her pregnancy also. I just had a UTI last week. I see a urologist and I am in the process of going through testing to determine why I get UTI's and make stones. I currently have 7+ stones in my kidneys but they do not bother me.

I think you should get established with a Urologist and discuss the possibility of kidney stones. They don't necessarily hurt when they are just sitting in the kidneys, only when they begin to pass through the ureters and the bladder. I am fairly convinced that I started have stone issues years ago, and that has contributed to my frequent UTI's.

Sorry to hear you are going through this. I know how crummy UTI's are.

Do you have any other health problems? Like diabetes? Do you take frequent baths? Speak with your Dr. and to see what he/she recommends and thinks might be the issue of these reoccuring infections.

Hi V.,
I don't have time to read the responses, so I don't know if anyone has suggested this but what worked for me was taking a small anitbiotic dose after sex. You can talk to your doctor about it. According to my doc it is common.
Good Luck,
D.

Ohh..UTI's are no fun! I used to get them alot. My dr. had told me that many women on the birth control pill are more susceptible to them. Once I switched from the pill to an IUD, I stopped getting them.
Just a thought. Hope you get some relief soon!

It definitely sounds like you're doing everything you can to prevent it. An OTC solution you can try is Goldenseal. My mom-in-law, who's a D.O. in Texas, recommended going to a healthfood store and asking for the best quality Goldenseal. Take it for 7 days (4 capsules -- 6 times a day) or until the symptoms stop. Then for another 7 days take 2 capsules -- 6 times a day. Take it with food. Hopefully that works for you. If you'd rather see a physician, look up a D.O. or Naturopath in your area. Most D.O.'s aren't as into alternative medicine as my mom-in-law, but they do incorporate more than just traditional medical solutions, so ask when you call around. I know that D.O.'s are covered by insurance since they are traditionally trained physicians. I'm not sure if Naturopaths are covered by insurance.

the recurring UTI's could possibly be from your husband
have your husband also checked. what may be happening isthat you getting cured of it almost have sex with your husband and he is re infecting you

while I was married I battled UTI's and yeast infection consistantly and decided to pay attention to other things and discovered that having sex and then getting another UTI was hand in hand.

OR

you are not totally finishing your medicine and your remaining infection is lays dormant for awhile (3-4 months) then it flares up again.

I would think though that it is probably a reinfection by your husband because I am sure after this many times you do finish your medicine because you are disgusted with the whole thing

Has your husband been treated? Could be every time you clear it up, he gives it back to you. I know it's not technically an STD, but can act the same in that respect. Also, could be on his hands, particularly if he works in a profession that gets his hands dirty/greasy in under the nails or cracks in the skin.

I've had that problem in the past too. I've got them after all my C-Sections (from the catheter) and they would keep coming back after treatment. I used to also get them all the time from using speracides and condoms because apparently I'm allergic to those. Then to top it off, I'm allergic to all the good UTI antibiotics so the ones I use aren't effective to getting rid of my UTI's. I had to treat my UTI's naturally as well as with the antibiotics the Dr. prescribed and I had to use the natural stuff for 4-6 months. I used the cranberry pills as often as it allows even when I was symptom free. I also used collidal silver (which my hubby hates the stuff and won't let me use it anymore). Make sure you are using a high absorbant, quality vitamin and mineral supplement. You can google treating UTI's naturally to find other good ideas for this. I used the antibiotics the doc prescribed but I had to use the natural stuff too but for 4-6 months straight or else they would keep coming back. Good luck!

Next time you have one try the cranberry juice and water route. Most UTI's are actually started by dehydration. If you live in the desert this is probably the cause. The misnomer about antibiotics is that they tend to destroy the natural reflexes of your immune system and they make you prone to infection. Stay hydrated and if you do get another one just drink a ton of cranberry juice and try letting it run it's course a bit.If you are taking antibiotics that frequently they are just not going to work anymore.Give your immune system a chance to build itself back up. Also take a full cycle of acidophilus pills you can get them at trader joes and whole foods. They will remove all the yeast from your system that has built up due to taking the antibiotics and also probably help with the UTI prevention. Get a 1 month supply of pills and stick with it till they are done. This has always helped me feel better. If you stay well hydrated your urine will not be nearly as potent and hence less bacteria in each void...I know this is a lot of info but this is coming from a former sufferer.

Did you happen to have antibiotics during your labor or shortly after? That may be what started your pattern. You may need to look at repopulating your digestive tract with good bacteria. Taking acidophilus is a good way to start.
During my first labor, I was given antibiotics for strep B and that caused a whole load of problems, because I didn't realized that I needed to repopulate with acidphilus. I ended up doing a 30-45 day no sugar diet to eliminate a systemic yeast infection and lots of acidophilus. I also worked with a homeopath to get my body back in balance.

I imagine you are in a lot of discomfort - often - first of all be sure you are drinking plenty of pure water (not just liquids) every day - then start to fight the bacteria, fungus and yeasts in your system - when the body is overloaded with these colonizing organisms you will see symptoms such as your chronic UTIs - these organisms feed off of what you eat and if your body terrain is acidic rather than alkaline you are creating a place they like to reproduce and grow - if you are interested in some specifics about which foods are acid-forming (and should be avoided or eaten in moderation) and which are alkaline - and what herbs will cleanse the digestive and elimination organs, support and boost the immune system, and assist the body in recovering from illness - feel free to contact me - good luck

My only other suggestion would be for you and your husband to shower before intercourse. Then you insure that all bacteria is washed away from any skin folds near your urinary tract.

Not sure if you drink lots of soda. I quit drinking all soda and mine went away. So now when I drink too much soda it comes back.

Yes, see a urologist! Try drinking cranberry juice and eating dried cranberries. Natural is sometimes better than artificial.

Hi V...

Just a thought....my daughter at 3 months had started getting UTI's, after a long hospital visit they found out she had what was called Kidney reflex. Im not sure if as adults we can have this, but after many test, she was placed on antibotics nightly until she was a year. They retested and she outgrew it...but if she wouldnt have they would have had to do surgery. My suggestion is go see a Urologist. He said she can have it come back so they will retest her again in another year. Not sure if while pregnancy can trigger it...but it might be something you might want to think about.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon. K.

I had bladder infections regularly after doing all the "right" things as well. I finally stopped having sex while I was menstruating. The infections stopped. I don't know if it is a coincidence but the bible talks about how women were separated from their families during this time so I thought I'd give it a try. We just did different things during those days. I never got a medical opinion on my solution but it worked for me.

Hi V.-

I have only had one of these in my life back in high school and wouldn't wish them on anyone.

First, do you wear thong panties? They have a tendency to cause bacteria(fecal matter) from your bottom to get up into your vaginal area and cause infections. This is actually very common for women who wear thongs.

Second, you said that you cleanse after being intimate with your husband, but do you actually urinate? This helps to wash out bacteria that may have worked its way up the urethra during intercourse. The bacteria gets up there from the friction of intercourse.

Lastly, I would definitely contact a urologist just to be sure that you're covering bases.

Hopefully this is helpful and not to graphic. Good luck.

V.,
DEFINATELY see a urologist. It's possible that the pregnancy changed your anatomy enough, with the baby constantly on top of your bladder, that you have an area in your bladder that never fully empties. There are a number of other possibilities, including urinary reflux, that can be treated.

Hi V.-

I remember this! You might wish to make a shower with you husband before sex part of your routine. Pay particular attention to privates and hands. Use a good vaginal jelly, made for the purpose, for extra lubrication. Cut as much sugar as possible out of your diet. Eat healthily. Add a half a cup of yoghurt per day (make sure it has live cultures). Take an excellent prenatal vitamin daily. Make sure that you're getting enough calcium/ magnesium. Address all sources of stress. (sorry!) This regimen will take several months to kick in. You may wish to consult a non-traditional Dr. or a naturopath. And a urinary tract specialist and a gynecologist. Continue your cleanliness routines.

Hope this helps- S.

After my own current symptoms..this seemed to possibly be it (for me) maybe not but it is a start.

http://www.ic-network.com/whatisinterstitialcystitis

Just by the blue box I felt everything was described.
You should also look into kidney & gall stones AND really read up on painful bladder syndrome. I go through all different pages & read symptoms & rule out or look further into.
You may find a relief to be finding out what is could be. Of course this would be followed with talking to your doctor & discussing your thoughts on your possible diagnosis for a confirmation is best.

Good Luck.

Hi V. -

Continuing to take antibioics is a vicious circle. The antibiotics might get rid of the current infection but because it destroys the good flora in your intestional tract, you are open for more infections. Consider trying natural remedies for UTI's - Usnea and Uva Ursi are herbs specific for the urinary system. There are others if you need more information. Also, the use of probiotics helps keep infections under control.

Good Luck,
M. M. Ernsberger
Certified Clinical Herbalist
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Hi, V.. I held on to your question for a few days because I knew I had a test scheduled to check to see if I have interstitional cystitis. I DO. I kept having recurring UTI's, getting up at least 2-3 times a night to urinate and having pelvic pain and pressure. It was uncomfortable to have sex and I seemed to have the horrible burning when I urinate for no reason. Now that I know what it is, we can get the healing started. I see Dr. Eric Huish in Gilbert near the new Banner Gateway hospital. He's awesome! His Nurse Practitioner, Talia, specializes in this problem. She did a bladder test via a catheter (not fun, but she used baby sized tubing) and inserts 3 different solutions. If you have IC, you will feel some burning and discomfort, which I did. She then puts in a solution that coats the inside of the bladder and helps heal the blisters and ulcerations that are inside. I'll go in once a week for 3-4 weeks, then take a medication orally that will help heal things. They encourage you to cut out sodas, citrus drinks, some kinds of acidic foods etc. On my own I had noticed that lemonade and OJ caused flare ups so I had already cut them out of my diet and that has already helped. There is a lot of information on interstitional cystitis on the internet. If they catch it early, you don't have to suffer and get really bad like some women who had gone undiagnosed for years and years. They don't know what causes IC or why some people are more susceptible to it than others. I don't know if this is your problem, but it's work checking into it...I'm glad my doctor was well informed and has started me on the healing process.
Good Luck to you,
J. F

This definitely warrants a urologist's opinion since there is a chance of kidney infection with chronic UTI. Although it sounds like you are doing everything I've ever heard to do, I did find some interesting links. Internet research is one of my passions ;) lol

http://www.link.med.ed.ac.uk/RIDU/UTI.HTM

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000522.ht...

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/408814_3

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic2835.htm

Hope it helps you find some answers!

Best,
C.

Hi V.

Seeing a specialist is a good idea with your condition. It is not normal for this to happen, however, taking a cranberry pill every night might not be as good... (if something is good, too much might not be as good)... Anyhow, after that, I would highly recommend getting your low back evaluated by a good chiropractor to make sure some of these problems are not stemming from the nerves in your low back being aggrivated...

Let me know if you want me to have a consult with you...

____@____.com
D. R., DC

Hi V.,

You seem to be diligent about limiting your exposure & many of the suggestions in these posts are great. However, nothing is being done to address your susceptibility to UTI's in order to rid you of this recurring problem. I echo the suggestion that a naturopathic physician can be very helpful. If you'd like, I'd be more than happy to see you.

Good luck!
L. L. Kwan, ND
Naturopathic Physician

Kwan Naturopathic
1250 E Baseline Rd., Suite 104
Tempe, AZ 85283
Ph: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####
____@____.com
http://www.KwanNaturopathic.com

I went through something similar, and it appeared to be related to sexual activity for me. What was really helpful was to use an herbal tincture with a LOT of unsweetened cranberry juice a the first sign of symptoms, and to abstain from sex until the symptoms were gone for a few days. The tincture I used was called Pipsissewa Complex, and it was made by Iris Herbal, up in Taos. You can mail order it, or maybe find a local source for a pipsissewa tincture. I was able to avoid antibiotics with this regimen. Good luck,

V.

You appear to be very careful with cleanliness, but is your husband also?

HI V.,
I read your post and I can just tell you that I have had frequent such attacks in the past. I tried all the heavy antibiotics but they kept recurring. The only thing that worked for me was drinking plenty of water...atleast 10 to 12 glasses and barley water. This flushes out a stubborn infection and I can say for myself it has not recurred for the past 10 years. So may be you could give it shot...
M.

I had the same problems with utis and the doctor just prescribing antibiotics! i looked it up in a book that i have its called prescriptions for nutritional healing! if you arent against natural!! well i have been taking Primidiphilus and garlic they are both natural antibiotics. since i have been taking these i have not had any bad infections and the ones i did have were tolerable! I was also taking cranberry pills and my grandmother told me that they can make your bladder overactive! so she suggested only to take them when you feel like you may be getting an infection! Also Sprouts sells an odorless garlic so you wont smell like garlic!! Good luck!

Kinda funny because right before this email, I got another about using different household products to get rid of things. They had this for your problem. It is worth a try for sure!

Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly-even though the product was never been advertised for this use.

I used to get UTI's a lot BEFORE I had children, I would get at least four or five a year! I did go to a urologist and nothing was wrong. Then with each pregnancy I got one UTI during my first trimester. The last time I had a UTI was three years ago. I feel that it has been a combination of the following things that have helped me combat this awful problem.

-Urinate IMMEDIATELY after intercourse
-Wear cotton panties that are loose fitting
-Make sure to drink plenty of water-the more you urinate the more you are cleansing your system of the bacteria
-Try not to hold your urine for a long period of time-I used to only urinate once or twice a day because I was so busy at work and couldn't take breaks-this was when my infections were the worst
-Take a daily multivitamin
-Try to eliminate caffeine from your diet-soda, coffee, tea, etc.

I really can't say which thing helped the most, but I hope this is a start for you. I have also found that water is just as effective as cranberry juice to help ward off an infection. Sorry that you are dealing with this, best wishes!

I'd see some sort of specialist...all these anti-biotics can not be a good thing. Even an alternative, complementary, integrative Doctor.
I remember there was another supplement out there besides cranberry for uti's...check out the internet. I wish I could remember it now.
If you have any more kids...try to find a caregiver who can minimize trauma to your nether regions. I prefer midwifery care...they tend not to be in such a rush to get the baby out and do not demand you be on your back (sitting or flat)

I had this same issue. Someone else who had this frustration for a long time and finally found the answer shared it with me: EAT GLUTEN FREE. I lived on antibiotics and red pyridium pills, but it was never-ending. I cut out all gluten and NOW I AM CURED. I can have sex without fear and my emotions and body and relationship are all the better for it. It was a life-changing decision. I wish that more doctors were aware of this common cause. I wish you great health!

Seek help from some alternative health practitioners, who will get to the root of the problem. Acupuncture, chiroprctic, polarity, cranial sacral, herbalist, homeopathic or naturopathic are all some choices. Find out why your body is consistently harboring "things" within your Urinary tract. Any of the aforementioned should be helpful.