I put this as a new topic to make sure it is read by most...
I went to the doctor for a UTI a while back and he recommended going to the bathroom right after you have sex. Even if it's a little trickle. The bacteria will be let out of the urethra when you do this. Most UTI's are caused by an exchange during sex and can be prevented that way. ALSO...if you do get a UTI, you can go to the 24 hour Walgreens and ask someone (don't try looking for it yourself since you'll be in lots of pain!) and get something called Azo Standard. This will stop the need for frequent urination until you can get to the doctor. Most OB/GYNS will call in a prescription to your pharmacy if you call into their office and explain your symptoms and tell them you've had one before. It's not recommended to let it go more than 48 hours since your kidneys can get the infection. The cranberry juice is ok since it's supposed to prevent the bacteria from attaching to your bladder, but only really do that if you are not able to get to the store yet and you have it handy. Don't use that in lieu of the Azo pills or antibiotics...I've BTDT and it's not fun! *SMILE*

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 06:26 pm:

You can also get something called Uristat if you can't find Azo Standard. Another preventive measure you can take is to take cranberry tablets or capsules daily. That and vitamin C creates a hostile environment for bacteria in your bladder.

BTDT, more times than I care to remember!!

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 07:03 pm:

LOL Heidi, i'm the queen of running to the bathroom after intercourse! Though it doesnt work too well while you TTC, but i'd much prefer a delayed pregnancy than a horrible UTI! Thanks for the info!

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 07:49 pm:

LOL...TTC is so far from my mind right now...ha ha ha...but, after having Connor 2 months ago, I wouldn't hesitate trying again one bit... ;-)

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, September 2, 2004 - 10:00 pm:

I always urinate afterwards! It seems I always have to! The AZO stuff is the same stuff that's in pyridium. It is wonderful. I agree, get to the doctor, so you don't get a kidney infection.

By Theresa_Momma on Friday, September 3, 2004 - 12:58 am:

I had a UTI a year ago, I asked my dr. if the cranberry juice really helped. He said not really but to keep drinking it if I liked the taste. Not funny snice I had been drinking it for two straight days and I hate the taste. Anyway the only way to get rid of them is to go to the dr. My younger sister let hers go to far once and her kidneys got infected and she had to go to a special kidney dr., whatever they are called? She was really sick for a while.

By Dawnk777 on Friday, September 3, 2004 - 02:43 pm:

I have seen people with kidney infections and they are miserable. They hurt and have a fever. They also often have to have an ultrasound or CT scan to take a closer look at their kidneys. It gets expensive! I wouldn't want to be in their position. A kidney doctor is called a nephrologist.