[Bonita--]

I've been experiencing this problem for a few years now off and on. It recently started again but it had been a long time since it last happened. After I pee it stings a little and I get cramps that feel similar to period cramps. It only lasts for about 5 minutes or so and it does not happen every time I go to the washroom. I was recently tested for std's so I know that it is not that. Last time it happened to me I went to the doctor and took a urine sample. The results came back normal and they didn't know what was wrong with me. Also, sometimes after I pee I have to go back and like 2 more drops will come out and I get the cramp feeling after but then it stops. I know it sounds like a UTI but last time I went it turned out that it wasn't that. What else could this be?

[tickle]

Your symptoms could be a few causes but the most common is UTI and I don't know what technician did your urine test for this condition, which is fairly simple and quick and 99% accurate most of the time, but you had better go for another opinion and get on treatment. UTIs, left untreated, but don't know how seeing as they are uncomfortable, can lead to bladder and kidney infections which you definitely do not want. Have them check for chlamydia as well.

Tick

Tick

[fisk]

I had a UTI but the urine test showed that there was no 'real infection', that is, it wasn't very serious yet. I was still given very mild antibiotics for it and it went away. It might have been that! I agree that you need a second opinion.

[tickle]

Cranberry juice is excellent for clearing impurities out through the kidneys, bladder, etc. Cranberry juice has other benefits as well but you can benefit from drinking it on a regular basis. If the juice bothers your stomach, a cranberry supplement is also available.

Tick

[Bonita--]

If I drink the cranberry juice will it help get rid of the uti? I don't want to go to the doctor just yet, because if I do have a uti I don't have money for a prescription and I don't have any insurance.

[J_9]

Go to the pharmacy and get AZO Standard. That should help.

[fisk]

Also drink A LOT of fluids. Sometimes just drinking a lot of water and peeing a lot will get rid of the infection on its own.

[J_9]

Also drink A LOT of fluids. Sometimes just drinking a lot of water and peeing a lot will get rid of the infection on its own.

It's possible, but unlikely. You see this is bacteria we are talking about. Bacteria adheres to the wall of the bladder. Since the bladder is a warm and moist environment, the bacteria multiply. Thus the need for antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

[Bonita--]

Thanks everyone for the advice. J_9, I will look for AZO Standard today. I am currently taking amoxicillin trihydrate for strep throat, which I started taking yesterday, so I don't know what kind of pills I can mix with this just yet, but I will ask the pharmacist. Would if be cheaper to get the AZO Standard then to go to the doctor and get a prescription for a UTI?

[J_9]

AZO is pretty cheap, BUT it's not an antibiotic. Amox usually does not work well for a uti. Be careful, you may even get a yeast infection from the Amox. If you are on the pill, the Amox will cancel out the effects of the pill, so use a different form of birth control for about a month after stopping Amox.

[Bonita--]

I went to the drug store today and I asked if they had AZO Standard, the pharmacists said they never heard of it. They were not much help though, they were too busy talking amongst themselves rather then helping me. I'm just going to make a doctors appointment, hopefully for Friday. It's not that bad right now, I mostly just feel the cramps, there's less stinging then before but I obviously don't want it to get any worse.

And yes I will be using condoms for the next couple of weeks. Hopefully I don't get a yeast infection, the last thing I need is to spend more money.

[tickle]

Good idea about the doc Bonita.

Tick

[Bonita--]

Thanks Tick.

J_9, I have a question. I'm pretty sure I have a yeast infection now. It's really dry there, it hurts, sex was kind of painful and it's pretty red. Should I wait until the amoxicillin is finished before I get a treatment for the yeast infection?

[tickle]

Bonita, no you don't have to wait to clear up the yeast infection. That would just drive you crazy going through that discomfort. The amoxicillin isn't that strong anyway. But, are you sure it's a yeast infection, is there an odor, a discharge, yellow in colour, etc?

Edit: visit here to read about yeast infections: www.medicinenet.com ›... › yeast vaginitis index. Just put 'yeast infections' in search.

Continued intercourse while in this condition will only tear your vaginal walls because of the dryness, opening yourself up for more infections. Get this all cleared up now before you have more problems which are unpleasant to deal with. Suggest using Ky Jelly or Astroglide during intercourse to further lubricate.

Tick

[Bonita--]

I'm not 100% sure but I'm pretty sure. I'm experiencing pain there that I've never felt before. It sort of burns. It's really dry and red too and a little itchy. There's no odor, no discharge. It's pretty uncomfortable though.

And thanks for suggesting the KY jelly, I was going to ask if I could have sex while I have a yeast infection. I think I'm going to have to go to a walk in clinic and get a prescription. How long does it usually take for the yeast infection to clear?

[tickle]

Bonita, I gave you a website that explains everything about yeast infections.

[Bonita--]

OK, thanks.