Concerns Regarding Persistent Epithelial Cells and RBCs in Urine Post-UTI Treatment
At 33 years of age and married, I experienced concerning symptoms following a week of vigorous intimacy with my husband. Shortly thereafter, I began noticing signs consistent with a urinary tract infection (UTI), including blood in my urine and a burning sensation while urinating, although I did not have a fever. Concerned, I consulted a physician and underwent my first urine analysis, revealing: - Leukocytes: 70 - RBC: 8-10 - WBC: Count so high that it was unquantifiable - Epithelial Cells: Moderate - All other parameters were either normal or negative. The doctor prescribed a week-long course of antibiotics. A few days into the treatment, I started to feel much better, with no pain and clear urine. Once I completed the medication, we didn’t give it much thought. However, after a month, we decided to have another urine test to confirm that everything had returned to normal. Here are the results from that latest test: - Leukocytes: Negative - RBC: 0-2 - WBC: 2-4 - Epithelial Cells: Moderate - Bacteria: Rare All other readings, such as glucose and ketones, were within normal limits. Despite the RBC count being between 2-4 and the presence of moderate epithelial cells, I haven’t experienced any more symptoms since the initial days. This lingering issue has me feeling a bit anxious. I would appreciate any advice or insights on what this all means.
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 8:01:15 AM
OpenHealth AI
You've been dealing with some concerning urinary symptoms and have shown improvement following treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI), but you're still noticing a moderate level of epithelial cells and a low count of red blood cells (RBCs) in your urine. It's completely understandable to feel anxious about these results. Let's break down what this means and outline some next steps.
Summary of Key Points:
- After treatment for your UTI, your symptoms improved, and your latest tests show most values are normal.
- The presence of a few RBCs and moderate epithelial cells can be common after a UTI and might not indicate a serious issue.
Explanation:
- Leukocytes (70 initially, negative later): Indicates an infection which you've successfully treated.
- Red Blood Cells (RBC 8-10 to 0-2): A small number of RBCs can be normal, especially post-infection, where small tears in the urinary tract can occur.
- White Blood Cells (WBC): Consistently low in your follow-up indicates no ongoing infection.
- Epithelial Cells (moderate presence): These cells line the urinary tract and can appear in urine due to irritation or mild inflammation; they can take a while to fully normalize post-UTI.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Yourself: Continue to pay attention to any urinary symptoms. If you experience pain, burning, or blood in urine again, consider reaching out for further evaluation.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out any residual irritation and support overall urinary health.
-
Follow Up: If you're still uncomfortable about the findings after a couple of weeks, or if you develop any new symptoms, it would be prudent to schedule another appointment with your doctor. This could include discussing the possibility of further tests if you wish for more clarification.
-
Stress Management: Anxiety about health can be taxing. Engaging in relaxation techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing can help ease your mind.
Conclusion:
Your recent urine test results demonstrate improvement and generally suggest that you are healing well from the UTI. It’s common for certain parameters to remain slightly elevated for some time after an infection, particularly when there are no accompanying symptoms. Focus on self-monitoring, hydration, and consider a follow-up for peace of mind. If any new symptoms arise or if you have further concerns, keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider. You're doing well, and with time, your body will likely return to optimal health.
Related Questions
Removed a Mole at Home
I’m a 21-year-old female, and I’ve had a mole on my chest since childhood. It has been confirmed as benign, yet I’ve always felt uncomfortable about it because it was raised. This morning, I decided to take matters into my own hands and used an eyebrow razor to remove it. I realize that this wasn’t the safest approach, and it did result in quite a bit of bleeding. I managed to apply two band-aids to control it, but after taking one off for a replacement, I noticed that it’s still bleeding, albeit lightly. What should I do next?
Experiencing Sudden Jaw Discomfort and Facial Pain
As a 21-year-old male, I've developed a habit of cracking my jaw in a circular manner—something I've routinely done for years without any issues. Recently, however, I've found myself in significant discomfort. The area around my right ear and the side of my mouth are painful, making it difficult to open my mouth or even clench my teeth. This is an unusual experience for me, and I’m curious if this is something I should be worried about?
Availability of Rabies Vaccination in UK NHS A&E for Post-Exposure Treatment
After being bitten by a dog while traveling abroad, I completed the necessary rabies vaccination schedule as instructed (on days 0, 3, 7, and 14) and also received Human Rabies Immune Globulin (HRIG). Now that I'm back in the UK, I need to get my final vaccine dose after 28 days. Is it possible for me to visit an A&E department for this shot? Local doctor's offices do not provide this service, and the only clinics I've discovered are private travel clinics that charge upwards of £100, which is beyond my budget at the moment. My travel insurance covered the initial treatments I received in Thailand (minus the excess charge), but they will not pay for this last dose. Given that I am dealing with a post-exposure situation, isn't it reasonable to expect that I could receive this vaccine through the NHS? I was indeed bitten, and if the dog was rabid, not receiving this last dose could have severe consequences. I'm puzzled as to why the only option appears to be a costly private clinic. Can I access this vaccine through the NHS? If so, what steps should I take to obtain it? Personal details: Female, 48 years old, 172 cm tall, 70 kg in weight, bitten on the left leg by a dog, no known medical issues.
Unusual Urine Color: Is It a Concern?
A 33-year-old woman from the UK, standing at 173 cm and weighing 84 kg, not taking any medications, and leading a lifestyle free from smoking and alcohol, recently noticed a peculiar change in her urine. About an hour ago, while she was in the restroom, her urine presented a bright yellow tone, accompanied by an unexpected hint of orange creaminess. Although she plans to provide a visual reference, she is currently more concerned about some discomfort she's experiencing. Lately, she has been feeling sporadic pain in her back; at times it manifests in the lower back area and at other times below her left rib. This sensation resembles a sharp jab that fluctuates in intensity but isn't severely distressing, rating it around 4 out of 10. Aside from this, she reports no significant previous health issues. Two days prior, her urine appeared slightly cloudy, yet nothing as alarming as the current situation. After hydrating with water, the color normalized. Given these developments, she is apprehensive about the unusual urine color and seeks advice on whether consultation with a healthcare professional is warranted, particularly as her regular doctor is unavailable until the following Monday.
Understanding the Dark Spot on My Toe
I recently observed a dark mark on my toe that is quite alarming. The area around it is also unusually dry, which is not typical for my skin. Additionally, there is noticeable swelling, and it becomes painful whenever it is touched. I'm uncertain how long this has been present, but I'm eager to determine whether I should seek medical attention. - **Age**: 20 - **Gender**: Male - **Height**: 187 cm - **Weight**: 87 kg - **Ethnicity**: Caucasian - **Duration of the issue**: 1-4 days - **Affected area**: Toe - **Any prior medical conditions**: None reported - **Current medications**: None prescribed I'm anxious to find out if this warrants a visit to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.