To think you can have residual inflammation after a UTI, but no infection?

[buzzheath]

Apologies for posting here - shamelessly after the traffic.

I've posted here in the last few days about a persisting UTI I seem to have had over the past month. 3 lots of antibiotics, and still feeling "not right" down there. Tingling sensation in that area after urinating, etc. But I'm not sure there's still an infection?

Has anyone else had this, and did it resolve? My GP said "if the infection has gone, there should be no symptoms" but that seemed a bit too simplistic. But maybe he's right. Reading horror stories of Interstitial Cystitis and long-term issues post-UTI isn't helping, so just seeking some reassurance, I guess? My previous UTIs (only a few, and I'm 32) have all cleared up quickly after a short course of antibiotics.

I'm already doing the loads of water/D-Mannose ritual. Also booked in with urology next week. This is miserable.

I've had the "not quite right after urination" feeling (although without the awful urgency, mere painful dribbles and burning feelings upon urination I associate with acute cystitis) and yes, it has always faded away within a week to a month. I suspect there are many many bladder/urethral/ureter irritations (and many of them ultimately benign) that exist on the spectrum between agonizing acute bacterial cystitis and the dread interstitial chronic problem. Your male GP may not be as well informed on the whole issue as a female practitioner might be . . .

i had years of recurrent UTIs and it has always been sore for the week following a clear ‘dip’.
it was eventually explained to me that some infections are actually really brutal on the inside of your urethra and bladder and that it’s really no surprise for some soreness remain.. much like it would if damage was done anywhere else.
this was confirmed a year or two later when I had to go for some pelvic type scans and my bladder actually had a build up of scarring from repeated infection. That in turn made me prone to further infection sticking 😳. So I’d say expect some soreness if it was a bad one, if you’re not feeling feverish or anything I’m sure it’s just residually sore.

dont be afraid to ask for a different type of test either some bacterial infections can be missed.

It's possible to get irritation of the urethra which mimics a UTI (constant feeling of needing to wee, almost unbearable pain when you do, blood in urine etc). So no reason that inflammation as an aftermath of a UTI wouldn't leave you with UTI-like symptoms.

Thanks all. Urgh, there's something about problems with your bits that makes you feel less human. Hopefully it's resolve with time. I'm also (sorry TMI) a bit constipated from the antibiotics, and I think that might also be contributing to the overall weird feeling down there. Though I don't imagine that would cause urethral soreness.

Brilliant new podcast on chronic urinary tract infections (CUTIs), highly recommend if you're wanting to learn more about the little know topic of CUTIs. If you have a normal UTI, definitely give this a listen too. Its brilliantly researched and a really important topic everyone should be aware of!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/54Thd0K0vAkSeJrZGoyz56?si=tM-UFF3RTDKtwdWpxAnZtg

Yes I think it can'just' be inflammation. Additionally the clever little e coli bugs can form a bio film and hide from the antibiotics until the coast is clear and then they can come out to play again.

Is the urology appointment private?
If so, I'd cancel it because it's more often that not useless if you do do have blood in your urine or any signs of anything sinister, and use the money for a more up to date urine test, to make sure the antibiotics were correct and that the UTI is actually gone.

The UTI testing the NHS still use is really outdated and misses A LOT of infections, there has been studies on this.

From cheapest to most expensive - Focus medical, Digital Microbiology, Regenerus Urokey. These tests should show if any bugs are still lingering.

Was it E Coli?? I've had that and yes it took a month or so to calm down afterwards and I am still not completely right, but I've had many infections and probably scarring.

@buzzheath how are you now OP? Experiencing similar symptoms after a UTI about month ago...