Understanding UTI Symptoms Without a UTI: A Personal Experience
As a 27-year-old woman weighing 260 pounds, I currently do not take any medications. Around January 8th, I experienced classic signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI). I consulted with a telehealth provider, who prescribed antibiotics that I completed by January 15th. While I noticed some improvement, I still experienced ongoing burning sensations. Therefore, on January 20th, I visited my doctor and underwent a urine culture. This test indicated a high level of leukocytes, yet no significant bacterial growth was found. My doctor prescribed a different antibiotic. Although I finished this course and felt a bit better, the improvement was minimal. I opted to monitor my symptoms, wondering if the burning sensation was merely residual irritation. By Sunday, February 8, the burning persisted primarily after urination, though I was free of any additional symptoms. Consequently, I returned to the doctor on Monday, where they conducted a urine dipstick test and another culture. The dipstick revealed trace amounts of lysed blood in my urine, while the culture results again showed no significant bacterial growth. However, the doctor identified an unusual finding: my test indicated the presence of 60,000 to 100,000 Corynebacterium Coylea, which has been marked as an abnormal result in my medical records. Interestingly, even though the burning sensation has remained, I experienced substantial improvement in my condition yesterday, with symptoms nearly vanishing by today. I am seeking some clarity regarding these findings, particularly as it can take a few days for the medical team to respond. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 2:50:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through quite a lot with your urinary symptoms, and it’s reasonable to seek clarity on your test results and ongoing irritation. You’ve experienced symptoms typical of a urinary tract infection (UTI), but the absence of significant bacterial growth alongside abnormal findings suggests a different situation. Let’s break this down.
Summary of Your Situation:
- Classic UTI symptoms (burning sensation) experienced.
- Antibiotics provided some relief, but symptoms persisted.
- Urine culture showed high leukocytes but no significant bacterial growth.
- Presence of Corynebacterium Coylea noted in your results, which is often a skin contaminant.
- Recent improvement in your symptoms suggests fluctuation rather than a constant infection.
Explanation:
- Persistent Burning Sensation: This may be due to residual irritation from the original infection, pelvic floor dysfunction, or interstitial cystitis, a condition that causes bladder discomfort without infection.
- Corynebacterium Coylea: This bacterium is typically not a pathogen and may indicate that your sample was contaminated or could be a part of your normal skin flora. This abnormal result often requires no treatment.
- Leukocytes in Urine: These are white blood cells that indicate inflammation. Since there’s a high count without corresponding bacterial growth, it suggests your urinary tract is reacting, but not to an active infection.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of when the burning sensation occurs and if it changes (e.g., worsens or improves). Note any triggers and relieve discomfort as needed.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help dilute your urine and flush out any potential irritants. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses a day.
- Diet Considerations: Avoid irritants like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners, which may exacerbate symptoms.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Consider pelvic floor physical therapy exercises as they may relieve some discomfort associated with irritation.
- Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Although you're awaiting their response, keep a list of your ongoing symptoms and any changes to discuss with them. Understanding what Corynebacterium Coylea might mean in your specific context can help formulate the next steps.
Remember, fluctuations in symptoms are common, and it’s important to approach this with patience while keeping close tabs on your body’s responses. Let me know if you need any more specific advice or information!
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