Finished seven days of nitrofurantoin, does this look clear now?

[Kirstymariex]

just finished 7 days nitrofurantoin.
does this look clear?

I'm a practice nurse.
I think that looks clear of infection; however, it looks like you still have some blood in it...that, by itself in the context of a urine infection, isnt too worrying, one week on. But i would like to see that clear one month on. If it's still there, then, I would recommend more investigation.
Your leucocytes are mild, your nitrites nil, so good.
Are you feeling better in yourself?

thankyou. I think i should have added i am just coming to the end of my cycle and i didn’t realise that could affect the leukocytes too, does that mean i am clear of infection? When i was taking the antibiotics i had no niggly pains but since finishing last night i do have some niggly bladder sensations it’s not painful it’s just there. x

Hi @Kirstymariex - I've suggested this to you before in previous threads but you may actually have Aerobic Vaginitis as this can mimic a UTI in symptoms and test results. It causes leukocytes in the vagina that also show up in urine samples as the urine picks these up on the way. It is hardly ever recognised in the UK but is well documented in the scientific literature.

The way to test for this possibility is to use a cotton bud to swab inside the vagina, rinse this off in a small amount of water in a container and then use the dipsticks you already have to test for leukocytes in the water.

I know I sound like a crank but I am actually a scientist and I had this condition and this is how I worked it out in the end. Just give it a try and then at least you can rule it out.

Happy to answer any Q's.

Xxxx

Thankyou so much i will absolutely do this! just any cotton bud swab and rinse it in some water then test the water? if it shows leukocytes then thats what it is?
is it treatable?
i have been fine since 12th june when i had my last one. My dipsticks for this time have been clear until last week when i had this (see image) nurse gave me 7 days nitro, finished them last night and i have the niggle pain where i have marked on the image. This happened last time after antibiotics but i am just coming to the end of my cycle so i know today’s dip can’t be 100% accurate.

i think ive just had enough of the whole scenario 😟
i really do worry about lots of nasty things, i am awaiting therapy/counselling in september for my health anxiety and it’s worse when gps know you have it. They have me an appt on friday to do some swabs and another urine sample x

pics

Hi @Kirstymariex yep any cotton bud will do. If the dipstick shows definite leukocytes get back to me and I can advise further.

Xxxx

last weeks dip xxx

it won’t let me post the file is too big
i will definitely try this Do i do it in just a little bit of water?

Yes about 10 ml in a clean glass or similar

Ah, that explains the blood.
Mild leucocytes, by themselves, aren't anything to worry about, often they are there all the time as part and parcel of the flora of the genito-urinary region.
Your vague awareness of symptoms may be just a bit of residual inflammation and will settle, but any more symptoms, and I would be nipping it in the bud with more antibiotics, however, 7xdays is a good duration. Did they sent off a urine sample to the lab? To test for microscopy,
culture and sensitivity? It would be worth chasing that if they did, to see what bug it grew and whether the Nitrofurantoin was sensitive.
Often they don't for a one off UTI, but it's always worth doing for persistent infections and ongoing symptoms.