Am wondering about UTI causes.

How is it that unexpelled urine can cause a bladder infection? I mean, urine is sterile, so how does that happen?

Also, my UTI sx are so subtle that I put off going to the Dr. cause I'm just not sure. Have taken 3 antibx in the past 5 weeks.

I don't have pain when I urinate, but I do tend to go more often and there is a little urgency involved. I guess I'm just avoiding the doc cause he may send me in for some kind of surgery to help the bladder empty completely.

What to do What to do?

It's sterile, until it sits there and ferments because you cant get it out.

I just had another battle with a uti last week. I've almost got it narrowed down to what's triggering mine. So, hopefully I can change how I do some things and can stop getting them so often. I probably need to talk to my doctor about some stuff for that.

My symptoms are usually subtle too. I'm starting to recognize when I feel physically sick that I might have a uti, since I sometimes dont feel any physical symptoms until it's a full blown infection. I think I'm just asymptomatic sometimes except for the feeling run down and just icky.

Twink, I'm like you...I just get urgency (more) and pressure. Occasionally it is painful to void also.

My neuro blames all upticks in MS sxs to UTIs and treats that first. Retention of urine can cause infection as was said above. I take cranberry pills and Ester C to keep urine acidic; cranberry can keep the bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls.

Erin is right and also having sexual intercourse can place the germs that start a UTI. Diahrea can also do it.

Twink (may I call you that?),

The majority of UTI's are caused by E.Coli. Yes-poop. That sterile urine gets contaminated.

This happens during wiping, sex, pads or undies sliding around. It is an ascending infection up the urethra which is short in women. It's dangerous, especially to those who have lost feeling and might not have the classic symptoms of frequency and pain on urination.

Remember- the bladder is a warm, dark and wet environment- perfect for bacteria to multiple and ascend even to the kidneys.

Drink water and pee when you have the urge. Or cath on time or get your indwelling cath changed on time.

ANN

Drink lots of water every day.

When I get a uti, I'll up my water intake. While watching tv, I'll take a sip or two of water every time a commercial comes on. Yes, makes me go potty more often, but keeps the kidneys and everything in good working order.

I can't remember ever having a UTI...maybe waaaaay back when? The nurse always asks me if I know the symptoms, and I always tell her: If I think I have any, I'll google UTI.

My MS clinic makes UTI screening mandatory whenever a relapse is suspected. Even if we swear up and down that we don't have a UTI. They also make sure the urine gets sent for a culture each time instead of just the dipstick test. They tell me that they routinely find UTIs this way.

I just had an asymptomatic/near asymptomatic UTI that I got tested for only b/c of flare up. Second UTI in my life. I didn't catch it in time and it sent me into mild relapse.

No personal experience, but I've read that if the bladder is not fully emptying it can lead to UTIs. Apparently the solution to this is intermittent self catheterization.

I'm thinking I should actually find out of there are home UTI testing kits.

I started getting UTI's about a year before the MS made it's presence known. I'm guessing that might have been one of the things that made my MS active.

Next time I go to the doctor, I'm going to ask them about what I think is triggering my problem. See if there's anything I can do about it.

Thanks everyone -- you've been very helpful.

Am trying to clear my brain so I can write a better response, but its just not coming (too early in the a.m.). Ugh.