UTI Symptoms and IUD Misplacement: Should Antibiotics Be Prescribed?
At 28 years old and weighing 125 pounds, I sought help at an urgent care facility due to signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Although my urinalysis revealed a few red blood cells (RBCs), I believed my intrauterine device (IUD) was in its proper position, so I opted out of a pelvic examination. Over the next few days, my condition deteriorated; I began to experience pelvic discomfort accompanied by UTI-like symptoms. Upon checking the strings of my IUD, I noticed that they felt unusually longer than before. This prompted another visit to urgent care, where an ultrasound confirmed that my IUD had become displaced. After its removal, I returned home. A follow-up urinalysis showed a similar result but indicated a moderate increase in RBCs. Even three days later, I am still grappling with the same symptoms. Should I seek medical attention again? I hesitate to explicitly request antibiotics, being mindful of their overprescription. Is it possible that this is still a UTI, or could it be primarily related to the IUD displacement?
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 2:20:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a challenging situation involving potential UTI symptoms and recent IUD displacement. It's understandable to be cautious about requesting antibiotics, especially given concerns about overprescription. Let’s focus on your immediate symptoms and next actions.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms may still be related to a UTI or inflammation from the IUD displacement.
- It's important to monitor your symptoms closely and know when to seek further care.
Explanation: Following the removal of your displaced IUD, it’s possible that your symptoms are due to lingering irritation or infection resulting from the UTI or the displacement itself. The presence of red blood cells in your urine might indicate that there is still an underlying issue, whether it be a UTI, inflammation, or even irritation from the IUD’s previous position.
Given that you are still experiencing symptoms such as pelvic discomfort and UTI-like signs (like frequent urination, burning sensation, etc.), it’s essential to monitor how your condition develops.
Next Steps:
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Self-Monitoring: Track your symptoms over the next 24-48 hours. Take note of any changes, particularly in the severity or frequency of symptoms. This will help provide useful information if you need to seek further care.
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Hydration: Increase your fluid intake, particularly water, to help flush out your urinary tract, which can be beneficial if there’s an infection.
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Symptoms to Watch For: If you develop fever, chills, worsening pelvic pain, or pain during urination, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
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Consider Follow-Up: If your symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or become worse, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare provider. While you can express your concerns about antibiotic overuse, it’s also important to communicate your symptoms clearly so they can assess whether antibiotics are necessary.
Your health and comfort are important, so don’t hesitate to seek help if needed. You’re doing the right thing by being proactive about your symptoms. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.
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