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?

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

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.

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

Do you mean 2 tablespoons each of both apple cider vinegar and organic honey?

I also have frequent UTIs , saw a urogynocologist recently and found out I have prolapse issues, my bladder is being pushed in due to vaginal prolapse and so it never completely empties and bacteria grows, causing bladder infection. Surgery in less than 2 weeks.

I've had recurring UTIs since I was 5 years old (I'm now 69), and also have interstitial cystitis. I've done much better the past few years since a medical student working for my urologist recommended taking 36 milligrams of cranberry PACs a day, and to also take 1,000mg of D-Mannose a day. I no longer have bladder pain, and when I get a UTI, I have less discomfort. I had a burning urethra for years, just constant burning, and after a few months of take the cranberry PACs and D-Mannose, the burning is down to just about 4 times a month. A blessed relief.

For the cleaning up, I know just what you ladies mean! I read to get a set of those plastic mustard and ketchup bottles that you see at restaurants that they refill! I got them at Walmart for a dollar or two, the biggest ones I could find. I keep them filled with water. I lean back after I wee, and squirt everything off, front to back. Then pat dry with a towel. If it's number 2, I wipe up, and then I do my leaning back and squirting front to back routine. It's my ketchup bottle bidet! LOL

Best wishes to all of you,
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