UTI (urinary tract infection) and prostate cancer

No, but I developed a fierce UTI a year after getting radiation (SBRT) to my prostate, because of some minor damage to the bladder where it touches the prostate, and the irritation lasted for several months (including some very dramatic bloody urine). I imagine it's a similar situation with surgery — things are very sensitive down there.

From my family doctor:

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The more water you drink (within safe limits), the less likely your bladder will become irritated, and the faster it can flush out an infection.

2. Reduce or eliminate bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and spicy foods (there doesn't seem to be a consensus on whether citrus helps or hurts). I had to go down to one cup of tea/day, and couldn't have any tea on a day when I was planning a small glass of wine.

3. There's no shame in wearing a pad for a while if you need to. They make special ones for men that are much more absorbant, but still discrete. Ditto for keeping a urinal bottle beside the bed at night, so that you don't have to run for the bathroom in the dark.

I had a UTI (unrelated to prostate cancer) and my urologist gave me the go ahead to take 3-advil 3 times a day and a week later I was doing better.

Notably the Secretary of Defense. but I think his was caused by the catheter and not the surgery. There is a risk a 8.8%. You might ask your urologist if he/she can prescribe an antibiotic prophylactically, or if you can have a prescription on hand. Pray not. Best luck with your surgery.

No anti biotics? I had one from my biopsy, had to take amoxicillin. Had chills and fever

@robo45vt
Did your urologist prescribe a antibiotic prior to biopsy? This is standard procedure.

Before I started treatments and throughout treatments I was instructed to drink cranberry juice. It helps reduce UTIs. I had trouble drinking the straigh juice and asked could I take supplements. I was told yes and started taking it as ordered but just kept taking even though 6 months out from last treatments and procedures.

Yeah I took one anti biotic. Still got UTI and Cdiff

robo45vt,
Did they do the biopsy via transpernial or rectal? Rectal carries a much higher rate of infections.

I would speak to your urologist about the infections and you concerns about more infections. Asked him/her about cranberry juice or supplements as being helful.

I know my oncologist/radiologist did a smear test prior to me getting Space/Oar and Markers into my prostrate. This allows them to target a specific antibiotic to get prior to procedure based on that smear. I am not sure that was done for you but asked about it.

Good luck on your surgery?

I did not. Be sure you keep the catheter clean and all connections and penis entry point disinfected. I was very careful to do that twice a day.

Just started urinating blood tonight after dinner for no apparent reason 282 days after my last proton radiation treatment. I have never had a UTI before, so I have no knowledge of what one is like. I put a note in the patient portal to my urologist, so I expect to hear something in the morning. What did they do to fix your bleeding or was it just time? I am sure going to miss my coffee.

My husband is urinating blood still one year after his prot radiation. Any tips on this ?