Help with Recurring UTI Symptoms
A 31-year-old woman shares her recent experience with urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms. Last month, she encountered UTI signs and was prescribed a five-day course of Macrobid, which successfully alleviated her issues. However, a month later, the symptoms returned, prompting her healthcare provider to prescribe five days of Keflex. Although this offered some relief, the discomfort returned shortly after completing the treatment. Seeking further assistance, she visited urgent care, where she received a seven-day prescription for Cipro. Currently, after taking four doses since Wednesday afternoon, she feels her symptoms have not improved. She is now wondering whether she should wait longer to determine if the medication is effective, especially with an impending vacation on Saturday that is causing her some anxiety.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 11:31:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with frustrating and recurrent UTI symptoms despite multiple courses of antibiotics. It's understandable to feel anxious, especially with a vacation approaching. In many cases, UTIs can recur, and the choice of antibiotic is crucial. However, since you haven't seen improvement after four doses of Cipro, you may need to consider a few important points.
Explanation
Urinary tract infections can sometimes become persistent or recurrent due to various reasons, including incomplete treatment, the presence of resistant bacteria, or underlying conditions like kidney stones or anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract. Given that you're not feeling better after starting Cipro, it’s essential to keep a close eye on your symptoms and what's normal for you.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Track your symptoms closely, noting any changes in intensity or new symptoms. This record can be helpful for future medical consultations.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. This can help flush out bacteria from your urinary tract and may ease your symptoms.
-
Pain Relief: Consider using over-the-counter pain relief like phenazopyridine (Azo) to relieve urinary discomfort, but remember it only addresses urgency and pain, not the infection itself.
-
Consult with Your Provider: Since you're experiencing persistent symptoms, it may be beneficial to contact your healthcare provider or a specialist in urology. A urine culture might be needed to identify the bacteria and ensure you're on the right antibiotic.
-
Discuss Prevention Strategies: Once you have more clarity on the underlying cause and current infection, talk about strategies to prevent future UTIs. This may include dietary changes, changes in hygiene practices, or potentially using probiotics.
If your symptoms worsen significantly (e.g., fever, severe pain, or blood in urine), seek medical attention immediately. Prioritize these steps, and consider your health before your vacation. Taking care of yourself should come first.
Related Questions
Experiencing Numbness in Feet and Right Leg After Workout Mishap
Hi there, and apologies if this isn't the ideal forum for my query; I’ve tried searching online but haven’t stumbled upon anything quite similar to my situation. So, I’m a 28-year-old male who underwent a surgical procedure on my left toe around three and a half weeks ago to address an ingrown toenail. Post-surgery, I remained relatively inactive for about two weeks, leading to a rather sedentary lifestyle. On the 16th day post-op, I was able to jog without issues. However, on the 17th day—last Friday—I made what now seems like an unwise decision to try farmer’s walks while holding weights. I carried 20 kg (approximately 45 lbs) in each hand for around 40 minutes, interspersed with breaks, and everything felt normal. Yet, late that night, just before heading to bed, I experienced significant numbness in my legs. This numbness manifests primarily as a dull sensation rather than a tingling feeling—tingling occurs only very rarely. As of now, it is consistently present in both of my toes and my right knee. Until two days ago, the numbness also affected the soles of my feet and my right shin, but that area has become intermittent. There are no visible changes in the skin where I feel numbness, nor is there any swelling present. I’m wondering if it’s worth seeking medical advice in person regarding this issue, or if I should simply wait and see. I suspect it’s not related to blood flow, which is my main concern, and I am aware that the medical system in my area is already quite overwhelmed.
Advice Requested on Enlarged Cervical Lymph Node During Pregnancy
I appreciate you taking the time to consider my situation. My specific question can be found at the end of this message. - 30 years old - 33 weeks into my pregnancy - Experiencing an enlarged and painless left cervical lymph node since 2020 - Discomfort present (not typical pain associated with swollen lymph nodes during illness) I am worried about a swollen cervical lymph node I’ve been monitoring since 2019/2020. Initially, I felt discomfort and discovered a hard, immobile lump located behind my left jaw, just beneath my ear. An ultrasound was conducted, which yielded the following results: - **Date**: February 2020 - **Examination**: Ultrasound of the soft tissues in the neck - **History**: Presence of lymphadenopathy; no previous comparisons made. - **Findings**: No lymph nodes were found to be pathologically enlarged. Several small, non-pathologically enlarged nodes appeared normal in the anterior cervical chain. These findings did not warrant further follow-up at that time. Fast forward to 2025, I continue to experience discomfort along with the enlarged lymph node, prompting me to request a second ultrasound of my neck. The outcomes from the recent ultrasound raised some concerns: - **Date**: June 2025 - **Examination**: Soft tissue ultrasound of the head and neck - **History**: Noted swollen lymph nodes located below the parotid gland for several years; comparison made to the February 2020 examination. - **Technique**: Grayscale and color Doppler imaging of the relevant area beneath the left parotid gland. - **Findings**: A solid-appearing avascular mass or lymph node measuring 2.2 x 0.7 x 0.8 cm was identified adjacent to the left submandibular gland, parotid gland, and left internal jugular vein and carotid artery. A benign-appearing lymph node along the lower margin of the left parotid gland measured 1.3 x 0.2 x 0.7 cm, retaining its normal shape and containing fatty hilum. The radiologist suggested a CT scan to further examine the 2.2 cm mass. However, since I am pregnant, my obstetrician recommended against undergoing a CT unless absolutely necessary. My primary care physician conducted blood tests and noted some changes that can likely be attributed to my pregnancy (the routine blood profile from November 2024 was normal), and he advised monitoring the situation with routine ultrasounds until after my delivery. I consulted with an ENT specialist who evaluated the ultrasound findings and conducted his own examination in the office. He did not express significant concerns, suggesting a needle biopsy but ultimately deeming it unnecessary at this stage. We agreed to wait until after delivery for a CT scan. Although I felt somewhat reassured after these discussions, my current worry stems from a subsequent routine ultrasound conducted in July 2025. I received a notification indicating the node showed a "very slight" increase in size, likely related to the changes brought on by pregnancy, and the recommendation was to continue monitoring until after I deliver. I do not have access to those ultrasound results as of now. **My Question**: Should I go ahead and arrange a needle biopsy with my ENT based on this new information? I feel anxious about waiting until October for my scheduled CT scan, especially with even a small increase in the lump’s size noted within only a month.
Is It Time to Check for a Hematoma?
I'm sharing on behalf of my husband who is 41 years old and weighs 220 pounds. He had an accident while jumping off a dock where he landed straddling a rope connected to a tube. The impact was severe, especially in his groin area, and this incident occurred 12 days ago. Initially, he developed an enormous bruise on the upper inner part of his thigh. This bruise was quite pronounced and lasted for around 10 days before it started to fade. At first, it seemed somewhat swollen, which was expected, but he didn’t apply any ice or treatment to it. Although the bruise was painful, it didn’t seem to limit his physical abilities significantly. However, beginning two days ago, he began to experience intense, sharp pains when he moved in specific ways, particularly in that region. These pains are so severe that they almost cause him to collapse, making it difficult for him to remain standing. He has experienced this sharp pain about 5 to 7 times recently, which is a new development although not overly frequent. I've been contemplating whether this could be a hematoma that his body is in the process of reabsorbing. There doesn’t appear to be any additional swelling, nor has he developed any other symptoms. I am drawing on my own experience; after giving birth, I dealt with a hematoma the size of a tennis ball in my perineal area, which also caused acute pain with certain movements. The doctor at the time indicated that it would naturally be reabsorbed by my body. Given the circumstances, do you think he should consult a healthcare professional? The bruise has almost completely disappeared and there’s no visible swelling, yet he is now facing these new, sharp pains associated with movements that apply pressure to that area, without experiencing any other changes in his health.
38-Year-Old Male with Swelling on Foreskin - Fluid-Like Then Firm with Red Area
I'm a 38-year-old male and I'm reaching out to see if anyone else has had a similar experience. I've noticed swelling on the left side of my foreskin that's initially fluidy but then becomes firmer, accompanied by a red patch in the same area. I underwent an ultrasound, but the results were not conclusive. The report indicated: "No abnormalities were found in the testicles or epididymis. There is a generalized thickening of the scrotal wall and subcutaneous thickening of the foreskin and ventral penile area, without specific focal lesions or fluid accumulation. The cause remains uncertain." I've consulted with both a dermatologist and a urologist, but neither has been able to determine the issue. They’ve only prescribed creams, which have not brought any relief. My treatment history includes: Doxylin 100, Alphaclav duo 500/125, Staphylex 500, Zyrtec 10mg, Cordic ds 1% cream, Novasone 1mg cream, and a tapering course of Prednisolone 50mg, along with steroid injections into the swelling. I have also tested negative for STIs. Currently, the raphe extending from the base of the shaft to the scrotum has become raised and feels thicker. I'm curious if anyone has faced something similar. Any insights or shared experiences would be greatly valued. Thank you!
Seeking Support Through My Challenges
I sincerely apologize for the length of this message, but I truly hope that even one person takes the time to read it. I find myself uncertain about where exactly to begin. It’s crucial to share my background of trauma and significant medical procedures that have occurred in my life leading up to the present day. In November 2018, I received a diagnosis of Cervical Dystonia, specifically Anterocollis. Unfortunately, life took another tragic turn in March 2019 when I lost my sister to stage four cancer. By October 2019, I suffered a cardiac arrest, resulting in a diagnosis of Pulmonary Edema and Right-Sided Heart Failure, yet thankfully, surgery was not required. Eight weeks later, I had to return to the hospital where treatment with intravenous Frusemide helped clear my lung issues. I experienced four additional hospital visits before an echocardiogram revealed severe damage to two heart valves, including one that had completely detached; specifically, my Mitral and Aortic valves. This condition wasn’t present upon my prior discharge. After assessments by five different registrars, the only theory they could propose was that my issues stemmed from exposure to an odorless toxin. Eventually, I underwent surgery to replace both valves with tissue ones. Concurrently, I grappled with my cervical dystonia diagnosis. After the valve replacement, I returned home to a long and arduous recovery, which thankfully saw some improvement. However, managing cervical dystonia came with its own set of complications including constant chronic pain, feelings of social isolation, anxiety, and depression. I began attending a Deep Brain Stimulation clinic, which linked my condition to an antipsychotic called Abilify. Following my medication's cessation, the team suggested waiting for up to two years to see if my cervical dystonia would improve, but that did not happen. Meanwhile, my sternal wires broke, necessitating their removal in February 2024. In March 2024, I found myself in the emergency room three times, ultimately being diagnosed with appendicitis. Due to scarring from a bowel resection performed twenty years ago, there was concern regarding the appendectomy. I was placed on antibiotics, which initially resolved the issue, allowing me to go home. Unfortunately, I returned to the ER just a week later, leading to a decision to perform an appendectomy. During the surgery, the surgeon attempted keyhole surgery but ultimately had to perform an open procedure due to significant scarring from my earlier surgery. As I coped with these medical challenges and continued my visits to the DBS clinic, which required a three-hour journey, I felt an overwhelming weight at the thought of undergoing yet another surgery, with my history of five major surgeries looming over me. Yet, I felt determined; I wanted to reclaim my life. Throughout this time, I was also managing diagnoses of CPTSD, major depression, and anxiety from two decades ago. Additionally, I received a diagnosis of Combined ADHD in August of last year. Finally, on May 13, 2025, I underwent the DBS operation, which occurred just three months ago. But now I reach the crux of what troubles me: four days following the DBS, I was hit by an extreme level of fatigue that has persisted ever since. It feels as though I’m carrying an unimaginable weight around, leading to days where if I exert myself too much, I find myself bedridden for a couple of days. My muscles ache; moving is a struggle, whether it’s retrieving myself from the couch or rising from bed. I often have to coax myself into action. At day’s end, I struggle to shift from the couch to my bed. Although the DBS operation itself was successful and I’m regaining movement in my neck, I still encounter ongoing health concerns. I consulted with my GP who ran tests on my heart and blood, all of which returned normal results. He then advised me to see my psychologist. I subsequently contacted my psychiatrist, who increased my antidepressant dosage with Agomelatine. Honestly, I feel that if it weren’t for this crippling exhaustion, my mental health would be manageable. This isn’t clinical depression—it feels different. I have followed the psychiatrist's advice and started taking the increased dosage of Agomelatine. Yet, my mood tends to drop when I become overwhelmed by fatigue. Additionally, my recent ADHD diagnosis has likely impacted my dopamine levels, which I already struggled with significantly. For example, tasks that used to take me an hour and a half now take me a week—like removing nail polish and trimming my nails, which underscores the challenges I’m currently facing in accomplishing even the simplest of tasks.