Is there something I don't know about to prevent bladder infections after intercourse? Ever since i've had DK's i've noticed that if DH and I are intimate more often that usual for an given week it is pretty common for me to get a bladder infection. I pee before and after and am very clean, taking 2 showers a day for the most part. If we have sex once or twice a week i'm fine but any more that that and it's a sure thing that I get a bladder infection a few days later. Any suggestions? This is really irritating me. I'm due for my annual papsmear pretty soon so I can ask then as well. During my last pap, the doctor said I had a lot more discharge than normal and was concerned and sent out additional tests but everything came back normal and I never called back to follow up to see if I needed to do anything else. This bladder infection problem has been pretty consistent for the past year. I've probably had 6-7 infections in the last year or so.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 12:18 pm:

Ouch!!! I wonder if you have a bladder infection, as such, or an irritated urinary tract issue, from the frequency of intercourse. Were the infections diagnosed from a urine specimen, or are you relying on symptoms for thinking infection is the issue? I do think this is something you need to talk to your doctor about and see if a referral to a urinologist is appropriate.

By Marcia on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 12:24 pm:

There's something called Honeymoon Cystitis, which is probably what you're experiencing. Check out this link, or do a google search for tons of info...
http://honeymoons.about.com/cs/femalebody1/a/cystitis.htm

By Jann on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 12:30 pm:

I was just getting ready to suggest the same thing, Marcia.

By Karen~moderator on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 12:33 pm:

You might also want to take chewable vitamin C and cranberry tablets or capsules each day. Those things make a hostile environment for bacteria in the bladder.

By Reds9298 on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 05:29 pm:

I had multiple uti's while pregnant, and never had them before. Cranberry juice, one full glass per day, made all the difference in the world for me and I finally got them stopped. Also, are you using condoms with a lubricant or spermicide or any lubricants at all? We had to use a lubricant while I was pregnant (just your basic K-Y) and it was causing most of my uti's. My ob-gyn said they will do it everytime so stay away from them. If you are you might want to stop and see if it gets better.

By Andi on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 05:37 pm:

I used to get UTI all the time. While I was pregnant with DS I was going to a chiropractor and she adjusted my pelvic bone and I have not had one in 4 years!!!! (knock on wood!)
Just a thought.

By Anonymous on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 07:27 pm:

I'll check out that site Marcia. In the meantime, i'm off for some cranberry juice. Yuck! I just hold my nose and drink, drink, drink. Usually I feel better within a few hours but I really want to prevent these from coming altogether.

By Missmudd on Monday, May 2, 2005 - 09:46 pm:

Cranberry juice works good as a preventative too. I know it takes some getting used to but my grandma would make me drink 4 oz a day to prevent them. Seems to work well for me. If I start having any symptoms at all I just drink a glass. You may even have some luck w/ the cranberry blends like cranberry grape. Maybe after sex session #3 you should just make a habit of drinking a glass. I think it even comes in cans so you would not have to worry about it being in the fridge and spoiling.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 06:23 pm:

Anon, I would still wonder if your bladder infections were diagnosed with a urine sample or just by symptoms. If just symptoms (especially if you are making the diagnosis yourself instead of seeing your doctor), I would think that Honeymoon Cystitis is still a possibility, and all the cranberry juice in the world won't help with that. I urge you to talk with your doctor.

By Feona on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - 07:19 pm:

I wonder if he washed with soap and water right before having sex if that would help? He could try it for a month or so and keep track of how you feel. Just an idea. I have no idea if it would work. I just think maybe bacteria is being pushed into the urethea.

By Anonymous on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - 12:21 pm:

Ginny, I guess i'm just using bladder infection as my choice of words. It could be a uti or a yeast infection as well. I'm not completely sure.

Feona, the thing is that about 90% of the time, we both take a shower beforehand because we both have long days and get quite sweaty if the weather is hot enough. DH alone takes 2 showers a day so I know he's very clean. I take 1-2 depending on the day.

I'm definitely going to address this to my dr. when I have my check up. I woke up last night with the urge to urinate and wiped a little blood.

By Vicki on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - 12:25 pm:

I guess I am confused?? Which doesn't take much at all. LOL Are you going to the doctor for these and getting antibiotics? If it is a true "infection" wouldn't that be required for it to go away? What are you doing to make it go away?

By Anonymous on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - 03:01 pm:

No, I havn't been to the doctor. I always try to self treat before dragging myself into a waiting room for 2 hours just to be seen for 10 minutes. Most of the time I am cleared up within 24 hours, this time it's taking a bit longer.

By Insaneusmcwife on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - 03:19 pm:

Does the irratiation happen right after? I have that happen when dh has been gone for a while and comes back. When I asked the doctor she said to soak in hot water for a little while after and definately pee before and after. I hope you get better soon.

By Vicki on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - 05:06 pm:

Then I am wondering if it is a true infection or just an irritation? From what I understood, an infection wouldn't go away with out an antibiotic.

By Feona on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - 06:07 pm:

Yeah, an infection wouldn't go away so fast.. Those infections torture you for a while and you have to go to the doctor for the medicine.

By Marcia on Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - 08:33 pm:

I've had many UTI's, and I could never even think of trying to get rid of it on my own. Almost as soon as I know I have it, I am stuck on the toilet, in tears, until I get antibiotics in me for a day. Not nice!!

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, May 5, 2005 - 12:26 am:

My last UTI, I started feeling symptoms on a Saturday. I mentioned to DH that I was probably going to go to the doctor on Monday. I worked at the clinic on Sunday afternoon. About 11:30, I got my urine sample and took it to the lab. I did have a UTI. I would put a patient in a room, go to the bathroom. put another pt. in a room, go to the bathroom. It was the most miserable afternoon of my life. I did have to register, but we were too busy, for me to actually go in a room myself. The doctor was asking me questions, on the fly! LOL! He gave me sample antibiotics and a script for Pyridium (turns your urine orange, but stops the pain!). I was soooo glad, when I could get my pryidium and even happier, when it took effect.

I can't imagine putting up with a UTI, without antibiotics and some pyridium. I don't know how long the pyridium lasts, but I didn't use it all up. So, if I get another UTI, I already have some! Hopefully, I don't have another one, for a good long time!