Do symptoms of an infection (like UTI) go away but you still have the infection?

Question

In the summertime, I think I had some type of infection. From everything Ive read, it sounded like a UTI (burning, having to go all the time, smell, etc). I never went to the doctors because it just went away. Well a few weeks after that, it happened again, but for a shorter time (like 3 days), then again went away. I just figured it was something like my pants were too tight not thinking about it. Well, its now December, and began having this like browish discharge (old blood?) after I pee. While reading up on that, Im not sure if my period is just starting (i get it next week and i am on birth control) or what it is. If i had a UTI in the summertime, never took anitobotics, do I still ihave it even though there are no symptoms anymore? Also, I took a AZO test, it said positive for WBC but negative for nitrate. Can anyone help me? Thanks

Answer 1

Probably 50 % of all women have at least one bladder infection at some time during their lives,and 20 % or more will have multiple infections - it is not uncommon for many women to have one or two a year.
What's the cause ?
They are caused by bacteria known as E.coli that take up free residence in the vagina and make their way to urethra.the tube through which urine flows.The trouble starts when they enter the urinary tract.
The remedy !
Drink gallons of Cranberry juice.
Drink lots of fluids,the more you drink the sooner the pain will stop.And a hint : If your urine is clear,you are drinking enough.If it is colored you are not.
Take Vitamin C 1000mg daily after food.
Go to the bath room before and after intercourse.
Use pads instead of tampons.

Answer 2

You may want to go to a doc for this. the bacteria can be cleared up by antibiotics. in the meantime, drink cranberry juice. (Not the raspberry/cranberry, or grape/cranberry..just plain cranberry). that WILL help if its an UTI.

Could you have a STD? those are sometimes the symptoms as well. you may want to go get a pap done and have a STD check. better safe than sorry. antiobiotics can clear it up as well (chlamydia for example). dont let it go too long though...causes severe problems if not treated.

good luck

Answer 3

I would go to the doctor. Let them check you out. UTIs can turn into toxic kidney infections.

Answer 4

Urinary Tract Infections

Overview
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that begins in your urinary system. It can be both painful and annoying but rarely poses a serious health problem unless the infection spreads to your kidneys.Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. About 500,000 women in Canada go to the doctor every year because of UTI.


Causes

Urinating is a natural way for your body to cleanse itself of waste. The urination process is meant to prevent infection in the urinary system. Here’s how it works: The kidneys remove wastes from the blood and then return the cleaned blood back to the body. The ureters carry this waste, in the form of urine, from the kidneys to the bladder. Urine is then stored in the bladder until you urinate. Your pee comes out of a tube called the urethra. But despite these defences, infections still occur.


Normal urine contains fluids, salts and waste products, but it is free of bacteria, viruses and fungi. In most cases of UTI, bacteria first begin to grow in the urethra, causing urethritis, an infection limited to the urethra. If left untreated, the bacteria can then travel to the bladder, causing a bladder infection, also called cystitis. If the bacteria go up the ureters they will infect the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.

Sexual intercourse can cause UTIs in women because bacteria can be pushed into the urethra. In men, urethritis often is the result of bacteria acquired through sexual contact. The majority of such infections are caused by gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Pregnancy also seems to cause more kidney infections than normal, because carrying a baby puts pressure on the ureters and causes changes in hormones.


Symptoms
Not everyone with a urinary tract infection develops recognizable signs and symptoms, but most people have some. These can include:

Burning sensation when you urinate
Feeling like you need to urinate more often
Feeling the urge to urinating but not being able to do so
Leaking
Bloody urine
Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
Pain in the lower abdomen
If you suffer from any of the following, there might be an infection of your kidneys or prostate gland. If you experience any of these symptoms see your doctor right away :


Blood or pus in the urine
Fever, chills or vomiting
Diabetes or chronic illness
History of kidney infection or disease
Pain on urination during pregnancy
Severe back pain
Treatment
If you have symptoms of a urinary infection, contact your doctor right away. He or she may ask for a urine sample to determine if bacteria are present. A urinalysis, sometimes followed by a urine culture, can reveal whether you have an infection. If you do have a UTI, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Make sure you tell him about any other drugs you may be taking and whether you have any allergies.

Usually, a urinary tract infection will clear up within a few days of treatment. But, you still need to take the entire course of antibiotics recommended by your doctor to ensure that the infection is really gone.

A heating pad placed on the abdomen may help with pain and minimize feelings of bladder pressure. Your doctor may also suggest you drink plenty of water. Cranberry juice may help fight infection but don’t drink it if you are taking warfarin or any other blood-thinning medication. As well, coffee and soft drinks may irritate the bladder.

If your infections are related to sexual activity, your doctor may recommend taking a single dose of antibiotic after intercourse. If you have frequent or recurrent UTIs or kidney infections, a medical specialist can help identify any underlying causes.

When treated promptly and properly, urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. However, children and seniors are at a greater risk of kidney damage due to UTIs because their symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for other conditions.

Prevention

You may be able to avoid a urinary tract infection by paying attention to the following:

DON’T keep it in. When you’ve gotta go, you gotta go. Urinate when you feel the need. Don't resist the urge. Holding it in just gives the bacteria more opportunity to grow.
DON’T use feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches. Or, avoid using them as much as possible. These products may irritate the urethra.
DO drink lots of water everyday. A recommended eight glasses a day, can keep the urine flowing.
DO wipe yourself properly. Wipe your groin area from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
DO take showers instead of tub baths. Tub water can easily collect bacteria, while showering can cleanse germs away.
DO cleanse the genital area before and after sexual intercourse. Urinating after sex can help wash away bacteria. In addition, use enough lubrication, if you’re a little dry during sex. This can also help prevent infections.
DO see your doctor. If you are prone to recurring infections and develop UTI symptoms, go straight to your doctor and follow whatever he or she advises.

Answer 5

usually an ifnection will keep on being symptomatic til its gone. if youre banging in the mean time that might cause repeat symptoms. wbcs indicate infection in the urine.