Ongoing Urethral Discomfort After Antibiotic Treatment
I am a 31-year-old woman, standing at 5'9" and weighing around 175 cm, of Caucasian descent. I do not smoke or use recreational drugs, and I drink occasionally. I reside in Canada. Previously, I had never experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI), but last Monday, about six days ago, I began to feel a constant urge to urinate, localized to my urethra. This urgency is my primary issue; I feel compelled to relieve myself frequently. There’s no burning sensation during urination, and the volume varies from minimal to significant each time. I can manage to hold it without difficulty, yet the urgency feels particularly pronounced in the urethra. I visited my physician on Friday morning, where a urinalysis indicated a high level of neutrophils, but my urine culture did not grow any bacteria. Approximately 48 hours ago, I consumed a single 3g sachet of fosfomycin mixed in water, yet the sensation hasn’t diminished. It remains unchanged, neither improving nor deteriorating. Could this persistence indicate an ongoing UTI, or might it be related to an issue with my pelvic floor? Would it be premature to seek another appointment with my doctor? I appreciate any insights you might have!
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 8:50:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
Persistent urethral discomfort after antibiotic treatment can be frustrating and concerning, especially when initial tests do not indicate a typical urinary tract infection (UTI). Your symptoms and the results of your urinalysis suggest a few potential issues, and while it is unlikely that you have an ongoing UTI given that your urine culture did not show bacteria, it’s essential to consider other factors.
Explanation
- Urethral Sensitivity: Your symptoms might be due to irritation or inflammation of the urethra, potentially from the initial UTI or other non-infectious causes. This can happen if you have had a recent infection, even if it is resolving.
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Issues with the pelvic floor can lead to symptoms similar to what you're experiencing, such as urgency and discomfort. This can often occur in the absence of a clear infection.
- Chemical Irritants: Occasionally, certain products (soaps, hygiene products) can irritate the urethra, so consider if anything new has been introduced.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms for at least another week, noting any changes in urgency, sensations, or any triggers (diet, activities).
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Hydration and Diet: Increase your fluid intake, particularly water, to help flush the urinary tract. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, as they can irritate the bladder.
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Pelvic Floor Exercises: Consider gentle pelvic floor exercises (like Kegel exercises) to strengthen the pelvic muscles, which may help relieve some discomfort.
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Follow-Up: Since the discomfort persists beyond the normal timeframe for a UTI, it would be beneficial to schedule a follow-up with your physician sooner rather than later. Share your symptom diary and discuss the possibility of pelvic floor evaluation or other diagnostic tests.
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Watch for Worsening Symptoms: If you experience any new symptoms like fever, worsening pain, blood in urine, or significant changes in urination, seek medical attention right away.
Your persistence in seeking clarity about your health is essential, and it’s perfectly reasonable to follow up with your doctor to ensure no underlying condition is missed. You are taking the right steps in managing your symptoms.
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