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Why Do I Get So Many Urinary Tract Infections

By November 19, 2009 - 9:32pm
 
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I always have urinary tract infections,I get an antibiotic.It goes away,2 weeks later it is back.I am taking manose daily,which is suppose to help,I do everything I can think of to protect from them,washing. everytime after toilet.Cotton underwear.cranbery juice,and lots of water.They still keep coming.I have had 3 in 6 weeks.and before that regularly.HELP ME PLEASE.My Dr has tried all kinds of things.He even gave me a hormone treatment to use He says sometimes women after menopause have problems with not enough hormone

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Hi Coombscatz,

It sounds like you are in a frustrating cycle. How long has this been going on? I gathered from your post that you are post menopausal, how many years?

A decrease in estrogen can lead to atrophy of the vaginal tissue. This can also lead to a decrease in normal vaginal flora, which alters the pH of the vagina. Normal vaginal pH should be between 3.5 and 4.5 and we often see this elevated in post menopausal women. This can in turn lead to increase risk for infection and this includes the urinary tract as well as the vagina.

So things you can do include all of the good suggestions Rosa posted for you and also supportive local treatment for the vaginal tissue. Estriol locally, most likely what your physician gave you, can help as well as vitamin E suppositories and lactobacillus suppositories.

I suggest visiting a qualified Naturopathic Physician in your area for some of these treatment options. Check www.naturopathic.org to find one.

November 20, 2009 - 4:56pm
(reply to drtenney)

I am post about 8 years now,My husband and I no longer enjoy sex.I feel very raw and burning during and after sex.My Dr.checked and told me women's lining becomes very thin after menpause.No matter what lubricant we use it is still very painful.My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer in Sept.His psa level was 34,now 16 after hormone treatment.He no longer is interested in sex either. I will get some vitamin E and lactobacillus suppositories and try them.I do remember having lots of infections when I was younger,and my kids were small.The uroligist told me my uretha tube was small and urine would not empty completely from my bladder.He did stretch it in a day care surgery and it did stop until about 1 year ago,Maybe I need that again?? Thanks For the Information.It was very helpful.This is very frustrating and I don't like taking so many antibiotics....

November 20, 2009 - 5:44pm

coombscatz,

I am so sorry that you are suffering so much from UTI's. As common as they are in women, most of us don't get them every 2 weeks. I feel your pain, I have had UTI's in the past and they are by no means a walk in the park.

The problem with a woman's urethra is that it is VERY short. This means that bacteria are prone to entering our system at any given moment. I read the precautions you are taking including your medications, but I also wanted to point out some other ways you can help prevent a UTI:

-No tight pants or jeans
-Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge to urinate
-Wipe from front to back-- ALWAYS
-Avoid feminine hygiene products (for example: summer's eve) Contrary to popular belief-- these hygiene products are far worse than we think they are. They interfere with the normal flora of our bodies and thereby create bacteria that was not there to begin with.
-Empty your bladder immediately after sex-- bacteria from having sex should not be allowed to linger
-Continue to do the other things you've already been doing-- Lots of water, white cotton panties (allow for breathing room). Don't OVERwash. Many women think that by obssesively washing they will fix the problem when in fact it may make it worse.

Good Luck.

November 20, 2009 - 6:59am
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