Confused about UTI treatment

I don’t know much about UTIs and am grateful for that. On the point of using soap I think that we’re told to use it on our hands because of what we might have touched. I don’t think this would apply to the genital area which is kept covered and doesn’t come into contact with anything.

Thank you for replying and that is a very valid comment. My point is though that soap is needed to get rid of bacteria and bacteria does inhabit the genital area and can cause UTIs. I don't think using water alone can be enough to help those susceptible to recurrent UTIs. Fortunately, I have started using sensitive skin baby wash and I seem to be tolerating that. How lucky you are not to be plagued by these infections. Long may that continue.

Absolutely no soap or any sort of soaking in a bathtub with anything other than water in it. If showering, just let jet from shower run over genital area for a couple of minutes.

It is so important to keep very hydrated, particularly if experiencing symptons of a UTI. If caught earlier enough can, sometimes, even literally flush it through.

Surely, you do not need a GP appointment to get a 'sample' tested. Most GP surgeries have arrangements for these to be dropped off and sent off to local labs for testing. You are fortunate in that you seem to be able to deal with your UTI's usually by drinking load of water and not requiring anti-biotics.

Sample needs to be tested as different infections respond to different ab's. My worst time with these was when for four to five weeks I had constant UTI's - six different prescriptions for anti-biotics, But as fast as as one infection started to clear the next one commenced. I was quite unwell all that time, two visits to emergency departments. Finally sent to urology where camera showed a growth in my urinary tract = with a couple of weeks I was taken into hospital to have that removed and checked. Was benign. Since then I have to have annual checks to see if has started to re-grow - but -thankfully, only one UTI (at a time I was very stressed).

Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria from the anus reaching the entrance to the urinary tract.

By the time you know about it the infection is much higher up the urinary tract than you could ever reach with a wash! The chemicals in soap can irritate but what usually happens is that when people give themselves a good wash in that area they move bacteria from the anus forward and then spread it around to where it can travel up the urinary tract.

The same with a bath. The bacteria goes from the anus into the water and onwards.

I’m sure you been told to only wipe backwards after a poo but it’s surprising how many people then use one more bit of paper to dry the other bits - with the bacteria from the poo wipe on their hands!

Franbern is quite right about just using the shower head and make sure you do it from the front, not the back area forwards..

Sorry to be so blunt

UTIs are awful aren't they? Glad you have your's sorted though. My recent infection appeared during a very stressful time for me so you may well have something there. Stress clearly not helpful. Initially, I did not have to see a GP, just drop off a test as you say. Due to repeat infections though, the GP always asks to see me now. I have had scans etc. which were all clear. I had several infections (or one that just wasn't treated adequately) last winter and then nothing for nine months until it has started up again.

Lathyrus, blunt is fine so no apologies necessary. Some great advice there, thank you.

Are you sure you are getting UTIs?....and don't have interstitial cystitis? ....have you seen a urologist?...NICE guidance advises gp referral to urology for recurrent UTIs ( more than 4 in a year) ...I get recurrent UTIs, I am prone to them because of the medication I take....there is always bacteria present from the sample...usually e coli.... I take a sample to my gp first thing in ...I don't need to see the gp if I have infection markers in my urine sample...the ANP just prescribes an antibiotic that same morning.

Soap kills off healthy bacteria, as well as nasties.

Think of yourself as a self cleaning oven

No need to scrub, just a wipe down with a clean cloth.

Might you have vaginal atrophy? I had recurrent UTIs before I started on an estrogen pessary.

25LOUISA1523 The dip tests are always positive for infection but only two culture tests have ever shown the pathogen (E coli), the rest came back as "no significant growth" hence my query about over hydrating before taking the sample. The GP prescribes antibiotics each time. Interstitial cystitis has never been suggested. One to pursue perhaps. Thanks.

Thank you for the input ladies. Some great advice here. Lizy, I did wonder about VA but had internal with swabs taken and again, told everything was fine. Would the swab and exam have picked up VA if it is that?

Same asLizy Ask your GP about Ovestin. I haven’t had a UTI since using it.

MrsKen33 Thank you. I will look into that. Long may you remain UTI free.

Since giving up my daily bath in favour of a shower my frequent infections are a thing of the past I hope. Sometimes I was having an infection every six weeks but haven’t had any recurrence since I ditched the bath.

Llamedos13 I will try anything. I do love my baths though. I usually just sit in warm water before bed. I shower in the morning. Definitely worth a try. Thank you.

I’ve had a few reasons to have tests recently and the ones the Dr took never show anything whereas the ones the hospital ones did twice. I think the Drs tested the sample at the surgery as I had a text message with the results within an hour.

I also have interstitial cystitis and find that keeping hydrated, and estrogen, work well.

Hope you manage to get some answers soon, I know how miserable it can be.

LovelyCuppa Thank you

Diamondlace

Llamedos13 I will try anything. I do love my baths though. I usually just sit in warm water before bed. I shower in the morning. Definitely worth a try. Thank you.

Sorry to say it was giving up the bath that made all the difference.

I very, very occasionally have one as a treat but it isn’t really because I know I’m chancing it. And then I think Oh why did I do that?

If you wipe as well wash the perineal area, you should always wipe from the front towards the back, as a lot of UTI is caused by faecal germs.

Just read post from Lathyrus who said it first.

I have also had one or two bouts of UTI - I am hopeless regarding drinking water - when I remember, I get up from my sofa and drink a glass. I haven’t had one for a few months - touch wood

You might need to use vaginal oestrogen. It's put an end to recurrent UTIs for me which started at menopause. It's definitely worth trying.

One thing I found was absolutely fatal..was washing my hair in the shower! Inevitably shampoos and conditioners are scented. Hope that helps!

Years ago I had a period of at least 2 years when i had many UTIs. For unrelated reasons i had to have a hysterectomy . After that i never had another UTI. I think my uterus must have been too close to the bladder and when it was removed no more UTIs.