Posted: 1/23/2011 6:39:05 PM EDT
Hey ladies. Need some input. 
I had never had a urinary tract infection before January 2010. Since then, I've had 5.  I don't know why I'm getting them all of a sudden. Each time the results come back positive for E. Coli. I'm at a loss of what to do.
Suggestions from the doctor this time, are: Cut out sugar and bad carbs from my diet. (I don't eat that much sugar, and I only drink water.) Throw away all my silky, colored underwear, and start wearing white cotton. I'm wondering what possibly could be causing these. Help? |
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Has your guy been tested for STDs? Serious question. Edit: Also, I've heard that if you don't pee after sex, you can get a UTI. Some more information. |
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I am prone to UTIs. Certain precautions keep them to a minimum.
1) Cotton undies almost exclusively 2) Always pee right after sex 3) If you must take a bath, shower first and go easy on bath products 4) no scented lotions, body washes, etc in that area 5) No scented detergent or fabric softener used on my underwear 6) Stay hydrated Good luck. I hate UTIs. You should also get your SO checked, as he could be giving it right back to you when you get rid of it. |
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The things mentioned are good, but sometimes it's as simple as two things––trying to be as clinical as possible here, BTW:
1) When wiping oneself after defecating, be sure to wipe front to back, NOT back to front. 2) Hand washing, especially under nails, is important whenever touching oneself for any reason. Cotton panties (even just cotton lined) is important, as is the ingestion of cranberry juice. Doctors are beginning to discuss this kind of thing, rather than just prescribing antibiotics, but are still often embarrassed to discuss such fundamental things. 
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I'm sure you've already done this, but retrace your life since the onset of your UTIs. Any changes in overall health, detergent, sexual partner, birth control method (diaphragms associated with higher occurrence), etc. Diabetes, pregnancy, and kidney or other urinary stones can predispose to infection. If you've had this many, I would suggest checking further with your primary care or OB/GYN just to make sure it's not an early sign of a new health problem.
E. coli probably isn't from an infected partner, and probably represents a new infection with a slightly different strain each time. The female bladder & urethra are unfortunately more susceptible to infection due to their structural arrangement. Some bacteria form a biofilm that protects them, making them harder to kill off. Until you see your doc, I'll +1 the cranberry & making sure to stay hydrated. Hope this helps. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Quoted:
I am prone to UTIs. Certain precautions keep them to a minimum. 1) Cotton undies almost exclusively 2) Always pee right after sex 3) If you must take a bath, shower first and go easy on bath products 4) no scented lotions, body washes, etc in that area 5) No scented detergent or fabric softener used on my underwear 6) Stay hydrated Good luck. I hate UTIs. You should also get your SO checked, as he could be giving it right back to you when you get rid of it. Use non scented pads and tampons. |