Long-term antibiotics / advice on prevention of UTIs?

Question posted by cattyrun on 29 June 2011

Last updated on 9 August 2018 by Carolenena

I'm interested in finding out if any of you take anticbitocs to prevent UTIs occuring, and if so if this a permanent thing, has it been successful?

I have been getting UTIs for the last 10 years, up until a few months a go, i'd have 1 maybe 2 a year, which I could cope with, but since April this year I have had three which I have needed antibiotics for, and in between these (what I call fully blown infections - constantantly needing to wee, blood in my urine, very painful to urinate), I have also felt 'not right' where I have been taking over the counter remedies and drinking cranberry unti it comes out of my ears to ease the symptoms and try to ward them off.

Although it is only a few months that this has been happening so often I am worn out by it, and feel very anxious and upset. It just seems to be one after another at the moment. I'm constanctly calling in sick, or crying in the toilets because I can't think of anything but needing the loo, and the pain it causes!

It's got to the point where it is at the forefront of my mind, I dread having sex incase I get another UTI (i'm not even sure if that is the 'cause'), and I feel sick at the thought of going on holiday next week just incase I get one, and can't get any medication for it!

Anyway, to come back to my original question, all three of my infections over the last couple of months have been successfully treated with Trimethoprim, and in the accompanying leaflet it says that it can also be taken in lower doses once a day for prevention.

I have an appointment with my doctor booked for Friday and I am going to ask about this, but I don't know how common it is to do this. At this point I feel like i'm going to burst into tears if she says no!

I guess i'm basically just after any advice, or suggestions whether it is to do with long-term prevention antibitoics or just general tips - I try to make sure I do what the doctor suggests i.e. wiping front to back, urinating after sex etc. but it doesn't seem to be helping.

If you have read this far then thank you very much - I did not intend my post to be so long!

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5 Answers

Carolenena 9 Aug 2018

I am 62 & at my wits end too! -many UTI`S since last Sept, & had Ct scan & flexible cystoscopy- there is a small stone in my kidney which they say is ok at the moment! I`ve had antibiotics every time it flares up but was now on 3 mths nitrofurantoin, then supposed to have 3 mths of trimethoprim- however the last dr I saw stopped them & now today I can feel the symptoms returning! I feel I should have had the 6 mths as originally suggested, as when I`m on treatment I feel fine- but now the cramps, backache & frequency are back! -I`m not happy!

Heather Palay 31 Aug 2011

Long term antibiotic use to prevent UTIs is BAD practice. The resistance rates to antibiotics in the U.S. is sky rocketing. We really need to save their use for infections that cannot be managed by other approaches. The French have UTI prevention figured out. The top selling UTI preventative there is Urell. It has recently been made available in the U.S. under the brand name ellura. www.myellura.com . ellura is the only cranberry supplement that meets the requirements of an issued health claim. The health claim is through AFSSA (the French version of the FDA). If you are currently on an antibiotic complete the therapy as your doctor has advised and add ellura along with it. Once you have completed the antibiotic or your CFUs are below 100 CFU, continue taking ellura (1 capsule) daily and you should be in a much better place with(out) your UTIs. Taking a daily antibiotic can also cause malaise among other things. Getting you off antibiotic should also put a little energy back into you life.

skreyes59 14 July 2017

I am a 57 yr. old, post menopausal woman. I have constant UTI's, (2 per month) and I do everything by the book. As soon as I complete an antibiotic regimen, the UTI is back within the same week. I am a registered nurse, and feel that my Urologist is an excellent doctor for men, and prostate issues, but does not take women's issues as serious. I have now developed Hydronephrosis in my left kidney. This can be caused by blockages or chronic infections. CT scans show no blockages, so it is likely the continual infections that are damaging my kidney, and has gotten worse over the past 2 years. My urologist refuses to give long term antibiotic treatment, but I also know that repeated antibiotic use can cause resistance as well, so why not if it will give a patient a chance at a UTI free moment. In addition, I have had gastric bypass surgery, which reduces your ability to absorb medications as well as others.

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That being said, I believe I need a longer treatment dosage than the average patient. This has caused me to feel hopeless, physically/ emotionally drained and I dread having sex with my husband for fear that it will onset another UTI. I am at my wits end, and am looking for a new urologist.

Sunset7132 14 Feb 2018

i cant take another minute i am looking on going on low dose ... i am glad to see im not alone in getting a uti every month..not glad ina sense that others suffer but its been 25 years of this i have tried EVERYTHING estrace cream, cranberry dmannose etc etc i cant take this anymore i am curled in a fetal position crying all the time, it used to happen a few times a year during sex . now sex isnt even in my life and i get them one after another!!! If anyone has any other things to try please let me know

Sunset7132 14 Feb 2018

Chronic uti 10 March 2018

If you are getting recurrent uti then it is HIGHLY likely you have a CHRONIC uti. This means it is embedded in the layers of your bladder or urethra and you need long term high dose antibiotics to get better.
Google chronic uti and you will find websites with information and help.

Wildfields 22 April 2018

I am a 62 year old post menopausal lady and last year started getting recurrent UTI at least twice a month, every time a trip to the doctor, very time an antibiotic until I became immune to one then thgey would change it to another. I've had a cat scan of my kidneys and a cystoscopy but both were clear. 3 months ago I was put on a daily dose of Trimethropin and no bladder infections since. I am coming to the end of the 3 months and I dread the doctor taking me off the Trimethropin. It has certainly worked for me.

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Adeline 5 July 2011

cattyrun, Just wondering how your Dr. appt went and what her thoughts were on the preventive antibiotics. I want to ask my doctor about the preventative that socal is taking. My problem is that I have to get infection free first, the last 3 months I have had one right after the other. Take care, Adeline

cattyrun 5 July 2011

Hi Adeline,

Sorry it has taken me a few days to get back on here!

Well first of all, it sounds like you have been suffering for longer than me, and you are very much further down the line regarding trying different treatments etc. So i'm not sure I have much to share that could help :(

Anyway I went to the doctors and explained everything. She basically looked back at my last two samples and told me that both red and white cells were present - which shows there was an irritant -but no sign of infection!? Weird. I'm telling you it has been more than an IRRITANT!

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Anyway, as I had been prescribed Trimethoprim for the last two infections, she gave me a perscription for Nitrofurantoin instead. She said it could be that some bugs are resistent to Trimethoprim and so this is why is might be reoccuring. When I went on Friday I actually felt ok, so she advised me to leave another sample for testing and to take the antibiotics with me on holiday incase I flared up.

Since then I rang to get the results and they said I need to go in with another sample as the pot hadn't been labeled! I go on holiday tomorrow so I'm not going to have time til I get back. In the mean time it flared up again so last night I started the new antibiotics, and so far I do feel better.

I noticed on the packet of Trimothoprim that I was first prescribed that they are used to treat chest infections and UTIs, whereas on the packet of Nitrofuramtoin, it says it is for the treatment of kidney, bladder and UTI infections - so to me this sounds like it covers more of the right area!

I'm sure you have probably already tried this antibiotic already but I will let you know how I find it.

The doctor said if this continues after these antibiotics then she will refer me to Urology...

In the mean time i'm going to look for some of the tablets that Socal recommends with high Cranberry content etc.

Sorry - I don't feel like i've been much use to you, but I really appreciate the comments I have had from you and Socal. I hope you find relief soon.

Adeline 5 July 2011

cattyrun, I am so glad that you are feeling better. Yes I have taking Macrobid several times, and I was on that for a preventative, but had a break through infection, so then I went on keflex. Thats a good sign that you feel better already. Keep me posted and stay well!!! Adeline

socal 5 July 2011

Hi Cattyrun and Adeline,

I, too, have been on a myriad of antibiotics, some of them 6 months at a time. It can be just so discouraging. Since being on Methenamine Hipp, as a preventive, I have been UTI free for 6 months. Methenamine Hipp is a prescription drug. It is not an over-the-counter medication. As I said, I take 1 gram twice a day with a meal and with 1,000 mg of vitamin C. If you can stand the bitterness, try to swallow the pills with 4 oz. of cranberry juice (the kind without sugar). It can be found at healthy grocery stores such as Henry's. I'm glad you guys are under a doctor's care and, just my opinion, I think it is important to see a specialist such as a urologist or urogynecologist as that is their area of expertise. Also, as I said previously, Methenamine is only used AFTER the infection is gone as it is not effective with active infections. Do let me know if your doctors think it might help to try this approach to prevention.

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I changed doctors after getting terribly discouraged and the new doctor (not so new by now) had fresh ideas and input for me and even performed a bladder biopsy which turned out normal. I am keeping my fingers crossed that you guys can look forward to a solution sooner rather than later. I hope relief is on the horizon.

socal

Adeline 16 July 2011

Socal. just wondering if the preventative is still working good for you. I wish i couls get infection free long enough to get back on a preventative. Hope you are well!! Adeline

socal 19 July 2011

Hi Adeline,

I had my follow-up with my urogynecologist today. She is so pleased (me too) that I have not had a UTI since being on methenamine hipp as a preventive. It has been six months now. Yea ! I will continue with this protocol. Good lock to you. Keep me posted. socal

Adeline 19 July 2011

Socal. That is great news! I keep waiting to hear those words"infection free". I had a test sent out friday, and will find out if I have another infection tomorrow, but he said that it looked like I did, so he sent it out for a culture. The Cipro made me so sick. I cant remember if I asked you this already, but do you think that your preventative is bad on your stomach as the other antibiotics? My stomach is so sensitive, I lost 7 pounds on my last course of Cipro. Were your infections always the same bacteria? Thanks for the info! Adeline

cattyrun 19 July 2011

Socal - really pleased that you are still infection free!

Adeline, my heart goes out to you, I really hope the test comes back negative so you can get started on prevantative.

Well I finished my pack of antibiotics that my doctor gave me before I went on holiday. After it finished I had about 3 days where I felt fine. Then after feeling fine all day I suddenly felt the horrible sensations of needing the toilet urgently and then when going there was hardly anything there and it was sore! It did seem to ease off I found when I had drank a full bottle of water and since then, I feel like if I can keep filling myself up with liquid and wait until I have a lot in my bladder, then it's ok, but if I go as soon as I need it then it hurts...

I know that goes against all logic as people say you should go as soon as you need it but it seems to have helped for the past few days!

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I'm still pretty fed up as I still don't feel 'right'. Can't quite put my finger on it really - I know I am a lot better than I was, but the worry that I am going to get an infection is always on my mind, and (maybe you understand) when I go to the loo, I've forgotten what it feels like to take a normal pee! Recently i've been thinking, 'is this what its meant to feel like? Is it hurting, or is it just in my head?'

Crazy. Anyway, i've put another sample in to be tested today so I'll see what they say.

Take care guys x

Adeline 19 July 2011

cattyrun, I can't believe it, you have my exact story! I ended the Cipro and waiting today for test results. I had about 4 days of feeling like my old self, except for the burning, but I am on the antibiotics they make me so sick that I don't even want to leave the house.WhenI get the infection I feel so tired, and then the pills make me so sick, and I dont even want to eat. But if you don't feel well go get a test you don't want to wait to long. I wish i could be infection free long enough to try the preventative that Socal is taking. I will post later when i get my results back. Adeline

Adeline 19 July 2011

Cattyrun, Sorry in my last comment i said, "im on antibiotics and they make me sick" I meant to say "when i am on them, they make me so sick". My Dr. office called and said my test came back negative, and I am happy, EXCEPT when he did it I was only off the Cipro for 3 days, so I dont want to get too excited because usually less then a week another infection starts. I have macrobid here and I am thinking of taking 100mg a day as preventative only because the 30th I am supposed to go on vacation and I am not going if I have an infection. I did do the macrobid before but then had a break through infection. Keep me posted on your dr. visit! Hope you are doing well, Adeline

socal 23 July 2011

Hi Adeline,

I don't have any side effects to Methenamine Hipp. And yes, my infections were almost always the same bacteria. As you know,it is important to have your urine cultured to make sure you are on the right antibiotic. I'm sorry you are having such a struggle and wish you could be infection free long enough to get started on a program of prevention. Probiotics are important too. Good luck to you in continuing to deal with the UTIs. They are dreadful !
socal

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socal 2 July 2011

Hi Cattyrun,

I can so relate to your situation. Without going into the long version of my UTI history, I can tell you that I am followed closely by a urogynecologist. I have always had my UTIs cultured so as to be on the appropriate antibiotic. I have been UTI free for months now (yea) as a result of taking 1 GM of Methenamine Hipp twice a day with a meal and with Vitamin C (1,000 mg). If you could swallow those pills with at least 4 oz of cranberry juice (the bitter kind without sugar) that would be even better. I advise talking this approach over with your doctor and see what he/she thinks. It is the only thing that has worked for me preventively. Good luck. I know you want rid of the worry, concern, and misery.

Best wishes,
socal

Adeline 2 July 2011

Hi Socal, Could tell me a little bit about the Methenamine? I have been to so many Dr.'s in the last 2 years and they have never mention this drug to me. Depending on the bacteria, i have been on macrobid and a few others, I am on Cipro right now. But as soon as I stop I get another infection. I was just wondering about the side effects. I have a very hard time while i am on antibiotics with my stomach. Did it bother your stomach at all? Also another Dr. mentioned another antibiotic called Fosfomycin(Monurol) Have you ever heard of it? Thanks for any info!! Adeline

socal 2 July 2011

Hi Cattyrun,

I do not have any side effects from Methenamine. But, it is not for use with active infections. It is used preventively. When in an acidic environment, methenamine turns into formaldahyde which kills the bacteria. Your doctor could explain it better than I can I'm sure. I think of it as spraying the yard with something that prevents weeds instead of waiting for the weeds to grow and trying to kill them. Now how is that for a "scientific" explanation? :o) Clearly, you need to get a more educated explanation from your doctor. Let me know if you try it and if it works for you. I sure am wishing you all kinds of luck.

socal

Adeline 2 July 2011

Socal, Thankyou for the info, i am going to ask my Dr. about this. I am ready to try anything, I was on a low dose antibiotic for pervention, that worked for maybe 1 month and then I had a break through infection with a different bacteria. I will let you know what he says. Thank-you!!!

Adeline 5 July 2011

Hi Socal, I am on the 8th day of Cipro, and I am so sick! The first couple days my symptoms felt a little better, but now I feel like the infection is worse, and top of that these pills are killing my stomach. I am worried that I may have a secondary infection. My bacteria isn't the same every infection, so now I am worried. Did you or anyone that you spoke to on this site had this happen. This is getting so depressing to me, I can't believe how these UTI's are changing my life!! Thanks for any info, Adeline

cattyrun 5 July 2011

Hi Socal,

I am glad you have been UTI free for some time!

Can I just ask if the Methenamine is a prescription drug or can you buy it over the counter?

Thanks for your response.

Cat

Heather Palay 31 Aug 2011

What Socal wrote about Methenamine is directionally correct. Actually, Methenamine is an antibiotic which eliminates bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. It usually is used on a long-term basis to treat chronic infections and to prevent recurrence of UTIs. Like all antibiotics they lose their ability to kill the bacteria over time. Methenamine is available through a prescription as well as weaker OTC versions. Try the only proven cranberry supplement, ellura, to get rid of recurrent UTIs.

Vern66 19 May 2018

Hi ladies I can relate I'm 44 yrs old and I been getting infection going on 10 years my urologist has put me on antibiotics for the past year now. It gets so frustrating. I can't take Cipro of leviqunn highly allergic. Nothing seems to work

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Adeline 29 June 2011

cattyrun, Your story is very similiar to mine. i have been going through this for over 2 years. I am getting up to 2 or 3 infections a month, every month. I am getting very discourged! I am on constant antibiotics and they are very hard on my stomach, so much so that sometimes i can't leave the house. I just came home from a infectious disease dr. he wants me to take Cipro for 3 weeks, I am very upset beacuse I know what that will do, but my urologist only put me on 1 week and the other dr said that is not long enough. He also suggested IV antibiotics at home, at which I stared crying. I dont know how long I can stand this, it is consuming my life. I am constantly on the computer looking for cures. I have done it all, the preventive antibiotics, to the hygiene, to cranberry pills and juice and D=Mannose. Nothing has helped! If you have any other advice for me or just want to vent please write back. I am so happy I found this site, because i feel no one understands that has not gone through this. Thanks Adeline PS Sorry for all the typo's.

Votes: +1

cattyrun 29 June 2011

Adenine, thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. I am so sorry you have had such a rough time of it over the last couple of years. I'm not really sure if I can in fact offer you any advice, but I will definitely share with you what my doctor suggests once I've been to see her on Friday. You did say you had tried preventative antibiotics - did these not work for you, or was it just that the side affects were too much? I know what you mean when you say others don't understand, my housemate has never had an UTI and although I know she believes how painful they can be, it's hard for her to grasp how anxious and stressful it makes me, as well as how run-down it makes me feel. It's gone 11pm here in the UK, so I'm going to try and get some sleep but I will check back in over the next day or so. Thanks again, I hope you feel better very soon.

Adeline 29 June 2011

Hi! Yes I was on a preventive but while i was on it, I got a UTI and it was a different bacteria and i had to go on a different antibiotic. Please let me know what your doctor says, and I do have a appointment at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio (U.S.) I live in Michigan its about 3 hours from here, but this Dr. is supposed to be really good and does alot with women urology. He is going to do a scope of my bladder to see if he see's any problem that could be causing the infections. That app is july 18th, i will let you know if i find out anything. i know exactly what you mean about being worn out, I get depressed because i was always doing things with my friends and husband, and I am always tired and the antibiotics are killing my stomach! Hope you are feeling better! Keep me posted. Adeline

socal 2 July 2011

Hi Adeline,

I see I addressed my last response to the wrong person. Sorry. :o( I haven't heard of the latest antibiotic your doctor is considering but that doesn't mean anything. As for Cipro, there is evidence of a significant relationship between long-term Cipro use and tendon weakness. I had to have Achilles tendon surgery as a result of long-term Cipro use. I believe the same is true for Levoquin (sp). Anyway, I encourage you to check that information out with your doctor. I also had a bladder biopsy which was normal. I also tried D-Mannose with no results. Sigh! It's just so frustrating isn't it? If you are headed to the Cleveland Clinic, it certainly has a reputation for exemplary health care. Best of luck to you. I'm sending lots of good wishes your way. I will be interested to hear what you are told about Methenamine Hipp.

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