Repeat urinary tract infections: What can I do?

@bettersleep68, you may wish to join this related discussion:
- Can peripheral neuropathy cause pain in women's genitalia? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-peripheral-neuropathy-cause-pain-in-womens-genitalia/

Have you talked to your gynecologist or a neurologist about this pain you're experiencing?

wish i could use a bidet as have ibsd and fecal incontinence, thing is i was using a sitz bath for relief of pain until i realized the feces, although had wiped before, was getting in the water and perhaps then getting into bladder as many utis over that time; having bowel issues it is hard to keep the area clean and have had lots of utis and today blood in urine.. my daughter has a bidet toilet and keeps on at me to use, but i feel the spraying water arond the anal area might spray the water into my bladder... have you checked any info about relationship between bidets and uti;s or even vaginitis? I dont know what to do any more and now on Trimethoprim which apparently according to internet can cause narrow angle glaucoma which i already have i am terrified will lose vision from this antibiotic and mind going around in circles! thanks for any advice, info, J.

All of your concerns about bidet us, bowel issues & UTI's are a great topic to address with your urologist.
Have you asked about the best cleaning method? Bidets have been used for many years in Europe, and I am not aware of reading that it might cause UTI's. When I have periodic bowel issues, I use (but do not flush) the wipes like the hospital uses. (Sorry, I don't have them near me at this moment to tell you the brand.)
Sue

Reply to bird trout lady. I find that it is important for me to clean the anal area with soap and water whenever possible after defecating, always wiping from the front towards the rear. Same thing before intercourse. Also the position where the woman is underneath and the man on top is easier on the urethra than the other way around. If you prevent irritation of the urethra it may help to reduce urinary infections. I have also increased my consumption of just plain water. I make sure to drink two full glasses of water during the evening and take a cranberry capsule before bed. The net result is that I have to get up once, maybe twice during the night but I have avoided uti for over a year. It’s well worth it.

@willows

I just want to add, along with the other good suggestions, that you move as much as you can. People in wheelchairs tend to get frequent UTIs. Walking daily or just getting up routinely from sitting too long is a major help. Sedentary lifestyles contribute to other health concerns also so stay as active as you can.

Fl Mary

...well i didnt mean that water splashing up in that area but that my bowel leaks into the water and then the contaminated water splashes up, another uti with visible blood ... but am sure read somewhere that some womn do get vaginal infections, cant remember which ones, from bidets, again, probably from fecal or other contamination of the water? I keep as clean as I can but wake up and have to change underwear, bowel no longer always keeps it in ... when i take Imodium may be good for a day then its "rabbit poop", sorry, but little balls and pieces even come out in shower..sorry to be so descriptive but my life now plus other things... ugh ! J.

My Bidet does not spray much around my anal area. It has several build in spray patterns, and one can select the one that deems to be best for the presented condition. I never had a situation that any of the water spray came close to the exit of my urethra. However, I can also select a spray pattern that cleans the vulva area only. I have the thing for more than 4 years already, and never experienced any problem with it.
I bought my Bidet after I had massive genital surgery, and had no real good way to keep clean and free of infection, and this device made it possible for me, I never got an infection since I have this.

..thanks for more info. My adult daughter is very happy with hers.. I used her 2nd bathroom with regular toilet when i visit in case I leave germs in here... she said she's never felt so clean! I had radiation to pelvis many years ago and then started uti's and now get them frequently...thing is am not good with antibiotics and you are not supposed to take Imodium while on an antibiotic... so wish I could use a bidet and happy its working well for you..J

I just went to ER with a UTI and blood in my urine, hadn’t had one in 6 months so I thought I was doing everything right. Using a clean facecloth with every shower and a towel. I pat my urethra and used tucks after my bowel movement. I do use a dilator after my uterus cancer but I always pee before and after I use it and wash it after in antiseptic soap and air dry, plus I always get a shower first. I guess sometimes this just happens for I am not sure what else I can do some people seem more prone to them.

@jeanadair123

People with chronic health conditions (diabetes for example ) or autoimmune diseases and a suppressed immune system seem to be more prone to UTIs no matter what they do to prevent it from occurring. I think you have gone up and beyond in your personal routine. I also think that some of us tend to over clean the vaginal area and that antiseptic soaps or wipes can throw off the ph and bacteria that is necessary. I was told that by a doctor when I was a young girl in my 20s. He also said not to use a douche.....not necessary and can do more harm than good.
I am 81 now and can only remember two (at the most) UTIs in my lifetime. I also use a pessary that is removed twice a week overnight. The pessary only needs to be washed in plain soap and water and I do not overly cleanse the vaginal area...just careful about things. I also do not sit in bathtubs...only use my shower and had my tub ripped out years ago when I renovated my bathroom.

FL Mary