negative urine test for UTI but prophylactic antibiotics...?

[seriouslynonames]

I'm on hols in Europe and have been weeing a lot the last two days, and keep feeling like i need to go when sometimes there isn't much there or when I've only just been. Sometimes when I sit on the loo after I finish a wee, more trickles out after 10 secs or so. No burning or stinging, but general discomfort in vag area. No fever. A few twinges and aches, but without urine symptoms I probably wouldn't really notice these - no real pain. I was a bit worried about it yesterday as have been feeling a bit under the weather anyway so thought I ought to check for UTI. Without wee symptoms I would just think it was usual pregnancy feeling a bit rubbish-ness.

Had to go to local hospital to see a doctor, so saw someone in the obstetrics dept. he checked temp (fine), blood pressure (fine), a v quick scan (baby fine), a brief internal exam (not sure why) and tested urine.

Urine came back normal. but then he prescribed me prophylactic (sp?) antibiotics as he said my symptoms sounded like I might go on to develop a UTI even though urine negative.

the antibiotics are fosfomycin trometamol (Monuril is brand name) and it appears they aren't generally available in UK, but can be imported in. But as other things are available to treat UTIs, they are not generally prescribed in pregnancy.

The doc of course knew I was preg! He prescribed 2 sachets (one per night for two nights) of what sounds like a high dose (3 grams per sachet) of an antibiotic not routinely used in pregnancy. I have only found instructions that say one sachet is the entire treatment, no more is required, and that's when you actually have an infection diagnosed.

Sorry for the long post - I guess my questions are:

• should I take an antibiotic as prophylactic if urine negative
• should I take an antibiotic that isn't routinely used in UK in pregnancy
• could my wee symptoms be just another preg issue or caused by prolapsed front vaginal wall (which I know i have) and not a UTI
• or should I just get on and take it (side effects likely to give me gastro symptoms - diarrhea/ poss vomiting for at least a day - on my hols!!) because taking the abx and having the side effects is better than risking an infection developing and potential harm to baby...?

Any advice gratefully received!
thanks

If your urine dip was clear, I wouldn't take the antibiotics. We do occasionally use fosfomycin here, but I don't know about it in pregnancy (I work with the elderly!). Your symptoms could be due to your pregnancy itself, as your growing uterus can affect how your bladder empties. Also constipation can exacerbate this symptom too. If it were me, I would hold off taking them but seek help again if fever/pain/burning/stinging, or if your symptoms don't improve get your urine checked again.

thanks for replying, I think I'll wait a bit then, and see how symptoms go.

Do you happen to know if fosfomycin is generally well tolerated, in case I do end up having to take it? I don't fancy being overcome with diarrhoea on the flight home!

I have only prescribed it a few times, but no major issues as far as I recall. I guess all antibiotics have the risk of causing the runs though.....just depends on your own body's reaction. Hopefully you will feel better soon x