Completing an at home UTI test can seem like a convenient approach. I mean, seriously, if you’re chained to a toilet, in pain, the last thing you want to do is leave home to get a test elsewhere.
Before you jump into ordering a home UTI test there are some important things you need to know.
The type of UTI test you choose can mean the difference between getting well or continuing to experience UTI symptoms. So we’ll cover 4 popular options for at home UTI tests, and let you decide.
Article Quick Links
- Four at home UTI test options for you to consider. >>>>
- At home UTI test strips. >>>>
- Standard urine culture at home test. >>>>
- Advanced UTI test methods. >>>>
- How to collect a home UTI test sample like a pro. >>>>
Four At Home UTI Test Options For You To Consider
One obvious consideration for UTI home test options, is that most options do not provide instantaneous results.
They typically involve collecting a urine sample, and shipping it or delivering it by hand. Clearly, if you’re taking care of that part yourself it’s not technically a stay at home UTI test.
Having said that, it can still be a lot more comfortable to do it this way, than to wait around in a clinic, particularly given that it’s better not to take anything to relieve your symptoms until you’ve provided a urine sample.
Home UTI testing options allow you to collect a sample quickly, then get straight to your pain relief routine, whatever that may be.
There are two standard ways to conduct an at home UTI test:
1. A rapid dipstick strip test, which can be done as an at home UTI test, or by your medical practitioner
2. A urine culture, where your sample is sent to a lab and is tested over the course of 24-48 hours.
And then there are other, more advanced testing methods, that also involve shipping a sample:
3. Next Generation Sequencing: PCR and 16s technology (based on DNA sequencing)
4. Deep shotgun metagenomics (also based on DNA sequencing)
How Accurate Are Standard UTI Testing Methods?
Standard UTI tests include UTI test strips and urine culture. Despite being the global standards for UTI testing since the 1980s and 1950s respectively, both of these tests are extremely inaccurate.
We’ve covered UTI test inaccuracies in more detail, and it’s a good idea to brush up on the topic before your next test.
Accuracy Of Standard UTI Tests
An inaccurate UTI test can result in no treatment, or incorrect treatment, which can lead to prolonged or indefinite symptoms. Nobody wants that.
In fact, 26-44% of females will experience a recurrence of their first UTI. In this 26-44% it is likely the initial treatment failed, and this may be due to the type of test used.
It gets worse. Evidence suggests that with each recurrence of UTI, another recurrence becomes more likely.
The more UTIs you have, the more likely you are to get another.
Consider this before reaching for a home UTI test. It may not help you, and it may actually put you in a worse position.
So why don’t the standard UTI test methods provide the answers you need?
First, let’s take a quick look at those urine test strips you can use at home (or at the doctor’s office).
1. At Home UTI Test Strips
UTI home test strips are commonly used as a quick way to identify the presence of a urinary tract infection. The aim of at home UTI test strips is to allow you to perform a quick urine test and find out within minutes whether you have an infection, and whether it is bacterial.
How Do At Home UTI Test Strips Work?
Let’s take a look at what the little colored boxes on a home UTI test strip mean.
Bear in mind that some at home UTI test strips contain only two of the indicators listed below.
What Home UTI Strip Test Indicators Mean
| Indicator | Why It’s Used |
|---|---|
| pH Level | If your urine pH is outside the normal range of 5-7, there could be an issue, or your urine pH may have been temporarily altered by something you ate or drank. |
| Protein | Protein in the urine (proteinuria) can indicate kidney disease or other health issues, but it can also be caused by: - Urinary tract infection - Dehydration - Stress or strenuous exercise - Exposure to extreme cold - Fever |
| Sugar | The most common cause of sugar in the urine is diabetes, but it can also indicate other rare health conditions. |
| Ketone | Ketones in the urine can also be caused by diabetes, but can also be a result of a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat instead of sugar for fuel. |
| Bilirubin | Bilirubin in the urine may be an early indicator of liver damage, however, this indicator is known to be highly inaccurate. |
| Urobilinogen | Urobilinogen is a by-product of Bilirubin production and may indicate issues with the liver, among other health issues. |
| Nitrite | Some bacteria that cause UTIs make an enzyme that changes urinary nitrates into nitrites. So if the strip is positive for nitrites, the conclusion is that you have a bacterial UTI. Note that many bacteria do not create nitrites in your urine. |
| Red blood cells (erythrocytes) | Blood can appear in urine due to strenuous exercise, but generally, blood in the urine is taken to be a sign of infection, inflammation, disease, or injury to the urinary tract. |
| White blood cells (leukocytes esterase) | A positive strip result for white blood cells in your urine indicates an infection in your urinary tract, or possibly, kidney disease. |
Why Is My Home UTI Test Negative When I Feel Like I Have A UTI?
It’s a great question, and one we hear a lot. And there’s a good answer:
Studies have shown that home UTI test strips cannot be used to rule out infection.
If you do an at home UTI test, and it indicates you don’t have an infection despite your symptoms, you have good reason to question the test itself.
Regardless of how many indicators are on the UTI test strip, it is not accurate.
Given the inaccuracy of home UTI test strips, particularly when it comes out negative, your symptoms may be a better indicator of a UTI.
This also applies to the UTI test strips used in clinics and hospitals. Despite what you may have been told, there is no such thing as an accurate UTI test strip.
 | “My urine was visibly cloudy and it burned when I went to pee. My doctor used a UTI test strip in my urine sample and said everything on the test strip was normal. I was told I didn’t have an infection even though I’ve had UTIs before and I know exactly what they feel like.” |
Every brand of home UTI test works on the principles laid out above, and they all have the same limitations.
Should You Use At Home UTI Test Strips?
Hopefully, after reading the above, you already know how unhelpful an at home UTI test could be. To sum it all up:
- Studies show that UTI test strips may only be reliable about 30% of the time.
- Other studies have bluntly concluded that UTI test strips should be abandoned as a tool for the diagnosis of UTIs in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.
- Given the low accuracy of UTI test strips, if the results are negative but you have UTI symptoms, it would generally be recommended that you pursue more accurate testing.
Unfortunately, official guidelines allow for the use of test strips in diagnosing UTIs, so their use is extremely widespread, both at home and in clinical settings.
So what are your other options for UTI testing at home?
2. Standard Urine Culture Home UTI Test
Many labs will allow you to ship a urine sample from home, for a standard urine culture test. You may have organized this by ordering a UTI test kit online, or your doctor may have provided a kit in advance.
It can take a week or so to get results using this method, depending on the provider.
The process behind urine culture testing is easy enough to understand.
First, you provide a mid-stream urine (MSU) sample – also known as a clean-catch sample. See further down for instructions on how to collect a urine sample at home, for testing.
Your urine sample is sent to a lab, and (in its simplest form) this is what happens:
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| Step One | A very small amount of your urine is placed on a plate with agar - a substance that encourages bacteria and fungi to grow. |
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| Step Two | The plate is tightly sealed and placed in an incubator at body temperature. |
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| Step Three | Any bacteria or fungi that are present are allowed to grow into small, circular colonies over the next 24-48 hours. |
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| Step Four | If there is little or no growth, the test is considered negative. |
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| Step Five | If there is growth, samples will be taken from each significant type of bacterial colony. A gram stain test will be done, which helps to differentiate between types of bacteria. |
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| Step Six | Further testing is performed to identify specific types of bacteria present, then a susceptibility test is done to find out which antibiotic will be the most effective. |
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| Step Seven | Results are forwarded to your doctor, or directly to you, showing which organism was found, in what concentration, and how it should be treated. |
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| Step Eight | Your doctor prescribes you the recommended antibiotic or antifungal to treat the infection. |
This might sound logical, but there are some very important flaws which mean…
Standard urine culture testing is inaccurate in up to 50% of cases. The main test we rely on to shed light on UTIs leaves 1 in 2 females in the dark.
There are 8 main reasons your UTI test may be negative, despite your symptoms. We’ve explained this further (just follow the above link), along with information you can share with your doctor to discuss your testing options.
Standard Urine Culture Testing Tips
Although we know standard UTI testing is inaccurate, some individuals do find an answer.
| “I got this UTI that just would not go away. After a few rounds of antibiotics my doctor had my urine tested. The results showed the cause of my UTI was a different bacteria than she first suspected. She gave me a different antibiotic and it worked!” |
Standard UTI testing may be a road you wish to go down, particularly if you have not had your urine tested and you get acute UTI symptoms regularly.
Given the issues with UTI testing (which we’ve described in our UTI Test section), we thought we’d provide a few tips below on increasing the likelihood of getting an accurate result with standard urine testing, should you choose to pursue it.
While we don’t usually recommend using techniques that have been shown to be so flawed, there are very few options for UTI testing in most regions. So instead of dismissing it completely, we’ll discuss below how you can get the most out of what’s available.
The Issues With Standard UTI Testing You May Be Able to Minimize
As we covered in our testing section, one of the issues with the standard urine culture test is that the threshold for bacteria concentration in the urine is too high to catch many infections.
While many labs still use the threshold of a minimum colony forming unit (CFU) count of 105 per milliliter of cultured urine, females with symptomatic UTIs may present with CFU counts as low as 102/mL. For this reason, a number of recent guidelines recommend decreasing the threshold to 103/mL.
In plain language, a cut off point of 105 CFU/mL means your cultured urine sample could contain 90,000 colony forming units of bacteria per milliliter, but because the threshold is set at 100,000 (105), your test result will be reported as negative.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you should accept that answer.
 | “There’s an old expression, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck. It's gotta be a duck. And so to have somebody who has pain, urgency, frequency and burning, and yet they're told they don't have an infection because a urine culture was negative, who do you believe? Are you treating a lab result? Or are you treating a person?” |
Getting back to standard urine testing… On top of the issues with the CFU threshold, some guidelines suggest the standard incubation time of 24-48 hours may be insufficient to grow all pathogens present in a urine sample.
Certain types of bacteria or fungi may be much slower growing, and will only appear in significant concentrations after 3-5 days. It is also believed that some pathogens may never grow on an agar plate, which is the standard technique used for UTI testing.
Changes To Request For A Standard Urine Culture Test
 | If you are unable to access more accurate UTI testing methods, and choose to have your urine cultured via the standard UTI testing method, you can request: |
- Decrease the colony forming units (CFU) threshold from 105 to 103 or 102 .
- Ensure a susceptibility test is completed if your test is positive for bacteria or yeast even at lower levels. This should be done automatically, and is essential to identify which antibiotic or anti-yeast treatment should be prescribed.
- Lengthen the incubation period, to encourage the growth of more types of pathogens.
These changes aren’t always possible, so you should ask your doctor about it, or request it directly at a lab if you test independently.
In most US states, you have the right to pursue UTI testing independently, and the right to request your lab test results without seeing a doctor first. This is not the case in all countries.
If your test is negative, you can discuss this with your doctor or lab. It may make sense to conduct another test at a different time of day (see our tips below), or to test for different pathogens that could be causing your symptoms.
Given the inaccuracies of standard UTI testing, a negative result may also be a prompt to pursue more accurate testing methods, like those below.
3. Next Generation Sequencing: PCR And 16s Technology
PCR and 16s technology use DNA sequencing to isolate and identify specific fragments of microbial DNA present in a human sample. One company that provides this type of service is MicroGenDX, a US based molecular laboratory.
Patients can order a UTI testing kit online, collect a urine sample at home, then ship it back. Practitioners can order testing kits on behalf of patients online as well.
MicroGenDX states that their tests identify 100% of the known bacteria, fungi and parasites in a urine sample from a database of >50,000 species, with 99.9% accuracy.
 | “We strongly believe MicroGenDX Laboratory can provide better diagnostic information to treat chronic UTIs by utilizing Next-Gen Sequencing. NGS takes the guesswork out of microbial detection allowing for targeted utilization of antimicrobials." |
We’ve covered the UTI testing service offered by MicroGenDX in much more detail in a dedicated article. Click the above link to read more.
4. Deep Shotgun Metagenomics UTI Testing
Deep shotgun metagenomics is also based on sequencing the DNA of microbes in human samples. However, this technology is less specific, and enables all known organisms – bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses – to be identified via any fragment of microbial DNA present.
Aperiomics is currently the only provider of this type of testing, globally. Patients can order a UTI testing kit online, collect a urine sample at home, then ship it back. Practitioners can order testing kits on behalf of patients.
 | “The traditional health-care system has never had the right tools to see what’s going on. We have the tool, and our goal is to change everything about how infections are identified.” |
We’ve covered the UTI testing service offered by Aperiomics in much more detail in a separate article. Follow the above link to learn more.
How To Collect A Home UTI Test Sample Like A Pro
Whatever home UTI test you opt for, you’ll need a top notch urine sample for the most accurate results.
Fortunately, all of these testing methods require urine to be collected in a similar way. It’s always best to double check any instructions provided in an at home UTI test kit, but below are some basic guidelines.
| "I’ve provided so many urine samples now, but I’m never sure how full the container should be. So I make it different each time, hoping the doctor will say ‘oh wow, that’s way more than we need,’ or maybe, ‘great job, that’s perfect.’ But he never reacts. His poker face is unbreakable." |
There’s no need to worry what your sample looks or smells like. After all, that’s why you’re getting tested – because there is an issue. We’re sure you’re doing a good job already, but here are a few tips to check your urine sample technique against:
 | 1. Wash your hands. Then use disposable gloves if possible. |
| 2. Remove the sample container lid, being careful not to touch the inside. Place the lid face down on a clean tissue. | |
| 3. If you’ve been supplied with cleansing sponges, use them to clean the area around your urethra - this helps minimize contamination from other organisms. Avoid touching your urethra or the area around it with your hands. | |
| 4. Find a position over the toilet that seems viable for getting urine in the container and NOT on the floor. Some people prefer to straddle the toilet backwards. | |
| 5. Use your fingers to hold the folds of skin around the vagina away from your urethra, and keep holding until you have collected your sample. This also helps minimize contamination. | |
 | 6. Urinate first into the toilet for a second or two, then without stopping, aim for the sample container, filling it to about two-thirds (there’s your answer to the, ‘Is this enough? Is this too much?’ question). |
| 7. Congratulate yourself on getting it mostly into the container. | |
| 8. Continue urinating into the toilet until your bladder is empty. | |
 | 9. Without touching inside the container or lid, screw the lid back onto the container. |
| 10. Use paper towel to wipe off excess urine on the outside of the container (this isn’t a rule, but we know you missed at least a little bit). | |
| 11. Wash your hands! | |
If you’re posting your sample, you will most likely be given a few additional collection instructions. Pay close attention to these!
Using The Peezy Collection Device For The Best Possible Urine Sample
The urine sample collection instructions above are helpful, but anyone that has collected a urine sample for testing knows that it’s not always easy to get it absolutely right.
The recommended approach is to capture a clean catch urine or ‘midstream’ sample, which basically means only collecting urine during the middle time frame of urination, and making sure it is free from contamination. Therein lies the problem.
First, let’s talk contamination. Urine exiting the urethra is very likely to collect bacteria from the surrounding skin and genitals, washing them into your sample. It’s virtually impossible to avoid this – it’s not your fault.
Second, ensuring you capture the midstream urine, as you’re perched over a toilet, is tricky to say the least.
The outcome? Up to 1 in 4 urine samples are considered contaminated. If it isn’t clear what’s from the bladder and what’s from the surrounding genital area, it can be very difficult to determine what may be causing your symptoms.
Fortunately, the Peezy Midstream, a cleverly constructed funnel, helps minimize contamination, and also makes it a lot easier to capture the midstream urine.
It works equally well for males and females and allows you to capture the right amount of urine, without potential mess or guesswork.
Having tried the Peezy ourselves, we can say that we found it to be user friendly, less messy, and much more efficient than taking your chances with a standard collection cup.
As for the significance of this in terms of your UTI test results, the Peezy has been shown to greatly reduce urine sample contamination.
A higher quality sample may lead to more accurate test results and more effective treatment options. If you’d like to chat to your doctor about trying it, you can download our take to your doctor PDF. In the US, you can order the Peezy Midstream directly.
When To Collect A Urine Sample
| For Standard UTI Testing, Always Keep A Urine Sample Container On Hand. Why? |
If you frequently experience UTIs, and plan to collect your urine sample at home, you’re more likely to get an accurate result if you collect your urine sample at the height of your symptoms.
Symptoms tend to flare up when the concentration of bacteria in your bladder increases, so this is the perfect time to get a snapshot of what is happening in your urine.
If you suffer from recurrent UTIs, ask your doctor or your chosen lab for a sterile sample container to take home or order a UTI test kit online. Make sure this is provided inside a sterile package, to prevent contamination before you need to use it.
Next time you get acute symptoms, pee in that container before you start guzzling fluids, trying home remedies, or popping pills. Drinking excessive amounts of fluids before collecting your sample will only dilute your urine, decreasing the likelihood of an accurate test.
Other things to avoid before collecting your sample:
- Diuretics
- Antibiotics
- Vitamin C
- Probiotics
- Other antimicrobials such as herbal remedies
And while you obviously can’t control the timing of a UTI, it helps to collect a urine sample when you are not menstruating. Menstrual blood can contaminate your sample and affect your test results.
Taking a sample at the height of your symptoms, and before intervention, gives you the highest chance of an accurate test.
For a standard urine culture, it’s important to put your urine sample in a sealed plastic bag. Then drop it in to your doctor or lab within an hour. Testing methods based on DNA sequencing don’t require such a quick turnaround. You’ll find more information about that in the test kits.
Oh, and put your name on your sample container BEFORE getting to the doctor or lab. Or be prepared to put it on display and name it while you’re there.
When you don’t have a sterile sample container on hand, do your best to get to the doctor or lab asap.
If you’re in the habit of popping antibiotics at the first sign of a UTI, think twice, and get tested first.
| For chronic or ongoing low level UTI symptoms without acute episodes, the best time to collect a urine sample is first thing in the morning. Your urine is at its most concentrated after hours of sleeping and not peeing. A higher concentration of any potential pathogens may provide a better chance for an accurate result. |
| “When my first round of UTI testing came back negative my doctor had me submit urine samples at 3 different times throughout the day, over the course of a week. She found a huge amount of bacteria in my morning urine samples. I got the right antibiotic, and miraculously, after 15 years of recurrent UTIs, I was suddenly free of symptoms!” |
If you have previously had your urine tested, only to receive inconclusive or negative results, it could be worth submitting multiple urine samples, at different times of the day, to track the presence of pathogens in your urine.
Ultimately, you may never get an accurate test result from standard UTI testing, and it’s always better if you can pursue a more accurate alternative.
How To Talk To Your Doctor About Recurrent UTI
| Get Your UTI Test Results Organised! |
- Request copies of your previous UTI testing results. You can do this yourself by calling clinics that have arranged testing for you, or you can ask your doctor to make these requests on your behalf.
- Always ensure you receive a copy of any future test results and store all your results in chronological order for easy reference.
- Familiarize yourself with your historical results. Note any patterns and anything that stands out. Highlight specific aspects that seem unusual and make note of any questions you have regarding your results.
- When you are ready, take your collated results and questions to your doctor. This information can be very valuable, particularly when you find the right practitioner – who is willing to investigate your recurrent UTIs further.
- Arm yourself with knowledge and references regarding recurrent/chronic UTI – you should be prepared to discuss this concept, and to stand your ground.
- If your doctor is unwilling to listen to your concerns, you should feel empowered to search for a practitioner who will.
| “I’d had so many UTIs and so many lab tests at different clinics. I always made sure I got a copy of my results. Every test showed low levels of something, but no full blown infection. Showing my results to my own doctor helped her piece together the fact that I did have a chronic infection. That was a turning point for me.” |
As always, you’re most welcome to leave any questions or comments below.
Comments
Hello I’m a 56 year old lady who had a hysterectomy thirteen years ago but the last three years I keep getting UTIs , I eat berries and have soya milk to drink and have flax seeds every day on my cereal , I try to eat healthy and never smoked or drink alcohol. I drink five to six pints of water a day plus herbal teas, I’m on nitrofaurtion low dose but when I come off them I get another infection, I’ve tried topical hrt but when it gets in my system I get faint and nearly pass out and dizzy spells so now I’m at a loss what to do, I’m afraid to have sex with my lovely husband and I’m under a urologist but he says it’s my Estrogen level, I’m scared that I will be on antibiotics forever or worse bladder cancer, please can you advise me I’m so fed up , many thanks.
Hi Mandy, I just sent you an email with links to some resources that I hope you find helpful. Melissa
The way I got rid of my UTI /I am post menopausal also. It was difficult. I fasted immediately for periods of time. No food until late afternoon. During this time I drank Linden berry tea that had cooled. I used the actual leaves from the countryside. I then took lactobaccillus pills, ate fermented pickles, sour kraur, vit. c., hemp seeds ground myself and goat yogurt and loads of diluted cranberry and pomegranate juice. At the end of 2 to 3 weeks, I took collodial silver 30ppm *tsp in 8 ounces of water with all the fermented food. It left slowly but surely! I am staying on the fermented food train because it also gave me loads of energy.
Hi Laura, it’s great to hear you found something that worked for you! Melissa
I was just diagnosed with pelvic prolapse. Which aggravates my tendency to get UTIs I think. Trying physical therapy for the prolapse. The E-String estrogen causes pelvic pain and had a reaction to the estrogen cream. Are there natural bioidentical estrogens that can help?
Hi Jan, we have heard from a handful of people that switching to a different cream has helped, however, it’s always best to speak with your clinician about alternatives. Melissa
What about estrogen dominance?
Hi Catherine, that is a really great question. As far as we know there hasn’t been any work done regarding estrogen dominance and the microbiome. We’ll certainly keep an eye out for new research in this space and let you know if we find anything! Susy
My urologist would like me to start Hiprex for frequent UTI’s. I am skeptical about drug as heard it turns urine to formaldehyde? Any comments about this drug?
Hi Jean, it is true that Hiprex goes through a process that forms formaldehyde in the urine, and that this contributes to its known antimicrobial properties. Hiprex is commonly used as part of one long term treatment protocol utilised in the UK. I just sent you an email with some notes on this. I hope it helps. Melissa
Hi
I am post menopausal, have BV and IC with a high PH in my vagina. My IC symptoms are lower abdominal pain and severe urethral burning. I am due to do the urine broth test next month to check for embedded bacteria . I have discussed oestrogen therapy with my specialist ( Dr Anderson, I live in the UK) who has said it is my choice whether to start this before the broth test. I am very unsure what to do first, oestrogen or treatment for bacteria, if found ? Any thoughts ?
Thanks very much
Susan
What an EXCEPTIONAL piece of work! Thank you for your time and great efforts!
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Susan, I just sent you an email as I’m not sure if you’re receiving comment notifications. Melissa
I am using estriol/ovestin cream. How long can I use it and can I use it everyday? I have been having recurrent UTIs. Thanks
Hi Rose, the studies linked to above indicate that its use should be safe for most people but it’s best to speak with your prescribing doctor about this. Melissa
I suffer from recurring UTIs. My question is: how long can I safely continue using Hormone therapy if I apply it daily
Hi Mary, that’s a great question. I have added it to our list for the experts. We share expert insights by email whenever we can. If you’d like to join our mailing list so you can stay informed, you can sign up here. Melissa
I have at least a 15 year history of recurrent uti’s and have tried everything. The only long periods without infection have been when I am on a long term low dose antibiotic but as soon as I stop the uti’s return. I am currently on macrobid which my ob feels is safe because it mainly effects the bladder and not the whole body. I am also on Premarin applied to the urethra. I have been feeling great the past few months but read that low dose antibiotics have bad effects over time. Can you comment on this strategy?
I have been on macrobid and always get a bout of colitis while I am on it
Hi Pat, we do hear from some people that antibiotics cause digestive issues for them, however it varies from person to person, so it’s best to work with a practitioner through your options. If you’re looking for a practitioner, send us a direct message with your location and we can share some names. Susy
Hi Nita, as we aren’t clinicians we can’t comment specifically on a strategy, but we have covered the research into prophylactic antibiotic use here, if you’d like to read more. Melissa
I had recurrent UTIs for about 3 years after menopause. I started using Premarin vaginal estrogen cream and haven’t had a UTI since. It’s been at least four years since my last one. My question is, how long can I safely continue? I’m going to be turning 60 in a couple months. If I eventually stop using the HRT will the UTIs return? I’m not sure I could live through that again. I was getting them every 3 months, almost like clockwork. But, I don’t want to put my long term health in jeopardy.
Hi Marie, as mentioned in the article, it does appear that use of topical estrogen is safe for the majority of people, however, it’s always best to discuss with a doctor. The link shared above leads to a systematic review of research into the use of vaginal estrogen, so it has a lot of helpful information. Melissa
Thank you, Melissa!
I’m desperate for help, these reoccurring UTI’s are taking over my life and making me miserable constantly. I’ll take an antibiotic, feel good and then it’s back again, try another regimen of antibiotics and back. Sometimes I’ll go for a routine checkup and won’t have symptoms but a uti shows up anyways. I’ve had a bladder lift 10 years ago. I’m 51 and have been in menopause for a while.
Hi Michelle, I sent you an email with some information. You might also like to read our article about recurrent vs. chronic UTI, if you haven’t already. Melissa
I am wondering of any more holistic ways to treat infections. Currently with a bad bug Klebsella Pneumonae.. I have been on and off abx this year which I feel has killed my gut.. Looking for hope… also of any success stories with the use of tge Urmune vaccine
Hi Shannon, we aren’t aware of how the Uromune vaccine can be accessed in the US. If you have information on that can you please let us know by direct message? Many people will be interested. We have heard some success stories with the vaccine from Europe. I saw you also sent us an email so I’ve replied there with more information. Melissa
Hi,
Thanks so much for the great article. Since menopause I unfortunately suffer from UTIs, mostly after intercourse. I try to stay away from antibiotics and use D mannose which helps me quite a bit. I’m wondering if probiotic pills would also be helpful as a preventative measure?
Hi Ruth, research indicates that certain strains of probiotics may be beneficial and that these strains may be different for pre- and post-menopause. We’ve covered this in more detail and you can read more here. Melissa
The estrogen cream was terrible for me. I’d completed menopause almost twenty years previously. After using the estrogen cream for about ten days my vulva swelled up like a cauliflower, causing horrible pain. It took well over two weeks after I stopped the cream for it to return to normal. For a week I could actually feel my uterus, as if I had resumed menstrual cramps. I think maybe it would work better in women who still had estrogen in their systems.
I’ve e had utis throughout my life. I have been through breast cancer in last year which put me into menopause. I am taking tamoxifen for next 5 years. As my oestrogen levels deplete i am experiencing constant pressure on my bladder that often leads to utis. The samples sent to lab often come back negative but i am given antibiotics anyway and it feels like an infection. I am taking vaginal oestrogen but this doesn’t seem to make any difference to getting infections. I dont want to face a future with this its debilitating and i worry about becoming resistant to antibiotics. I would love to hear about your regime… I take d-mannose tablets too
Hi Emma, can you send me a direct message and let me know where you’re based so I can email you relevant information? Thanks! Melissa
My.mother is suffering from recurrent utis..its not curing..we have done everything..and now my mother is antibiotic sensitive..my mother have e.coli..which is not eliminating..if someone have sure shot solution plz plz plz rply me..its very imp for the life of my mom..plz helo
Hi Singh, there is no sure shot solution but I hope we can share information that will help. I just sent you an email. If you don’t see it, please check your spam folder. Melissa
Hi Tobi, sorry to hear you experienced that! I also got your direct message so I’ve replied by email with more information. Melissa
I’m new to utis. I’ve gone through 3 courses of antibiotics and it has come back again. I’m nervous about this. Any advice would be appreciated. I think I’m very close to menopause.
I’ve suffered with UTI since a teenager. I always get given antibiotics but they always say no bacteria. I’ve been clear for a good few years now but had a UTI in December. Thought it had cleared and had another beginning of June. Had antibiotics but gp said culture was clear. I take probiotics and gp has agreed to use vaginal oestrogen. I am on day ,8 of the initial two week dose. It was all good until today when my symptoms returned. I’m hoping it’s just a glitch
Hi Sharon, if you haven’t already, you might like to read our information on why UTI test results could be negative, even when you have a UTI. Melissa
Hi Kimberly, can you send us a direct message and let us know where you’re based, so we can share any appropriate resources via email? Melissa
My doctor had me on estrogen but stop it when I was still getting UTI’s even on the estorgen
vagifem vaginal suppository twice weekly seems to keep the utis under control. However switching to generic form did not work!
Hi Ellen, that’s great to hear you’ve found something that works for you. If you have any questions, you can always reach out directly. Melissa
I use estrogen pessaries twice a week but am suffering with recurrent UTIs. This has gone on for nearly 3 years since I had a bladder repair following VVF after hysterectomy. Urologist wants me to try Hiprex for 6 months. Does anyone have any experience of this medication? Also I was told I had painful bladder syndrome but urologist now wants to do cystoscopy under GA to rule this out. I’m so fed up. I just want to be symptom free!
Hi Liz, I just emailed you some information about Hiprex. I hope it helps. Melissa
I am new to this UTI issue, and the fact you went 4 years is beyond crazy. It all started with UTI symptoms urgency, pain, burning, and a horrible yeasty smell urine. No blood in the UTI. I want to my Gyno Dr. My apt was fine pee in cup get Pap test. But when I was leaving he did not give me a prescription for a UTI he said the dipstick did not show one but they were sending out to lab. I should take OTC AZO drug that causes your pee to be bright orange. This did not work. I finally called the Dr office back after 2 weeks and they said I did have an infection they called in a prescription. Sulfa but it was only oddly a 5 day prescription which seemed very short. It worked but came back I called my Dr to get more medicine. The tinge of UTI still lingers and burning.
Hi Heather, I see you also sent us a direct message so I’ve replied there. Melissa
Hi Dena, I hope you can find another solution. I see you also sent us an email and we’ve shared some more info there. Melissa
D-Mannose used to stop a bout of cystitis if I took it early enough. But now I’ve read that there might be side effects.
Hi Xenia, we’ve covered D-mannose in more detail here, if you’d like to read further information about it. Melissa
This article makes perfect sense to me. I have been supplementing with probiotics on a daily basis for many years now but it’s been a couple of months since I started getting flatulence so I included kombucha and enzymes in my diet thinking that i might have dysbiosis due to antibiotics that I’d taken for cystitis. I had been using Estradiol 25mcg 3 times a week for a couple of years then the doctor reduced it to 10mcg 3x a week and I noticed discomfort during intercourse. I had no idea that this could be related to more bouts of cystitis.
Hi Xenia, we hear from a lot people with similar experiences that have found estrogen cream helpful. It’s clear that we need more research into this area! Melissa
WOW. I have no history of UTIs and suddenly got one that I cannot get rid of. The bacteria that continuously coming back is enterococcus faecalis and it will not eradicate!!! I’ve been on 5 different rounds of antibiotics all of which it was supposed be sensitive to but it remains and my symptoms persist. Strangely, this happened two months after I got off my birth control pill that I had been on for years! Any advice for me? My husband and I were wanting to start a family but now… I feel I have to wait until I get healthy but the likelihood feels like it is slipping away…
Hi Lizzy, can you send us a direct message with this information and let us know where you’re based? Melissa
Great info here. What is the opinion on Utiva? Thank you.
Hi Sarah, we don’t provide information about specific products, though we do have some info about cranberry for UTI, which I believe Utiva is based on. Melissa
I used estrogen suppositories to soften the tissues of my Urethra, but found it to difficult to keep up with, so my doctor prescribed eString which is inserted and left inside the urethra. Could not decide whether that was helping much, but it had a bad effect on my mammograms, so I was told to remove the eString. I haven’t gone back to it, and want nothing more to do with estrogen.
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your experience. More research is definitely needed into recurrent UTI treatment approaches and who they may or may not be suitable for. Melissa
Great article. Thank you! Could this apply to women with PCOS also?
Can having the Marina(I think that’s how you spell it !) coil fitted for menapausal problems be a cause of a U T I ?
Hi June, we haven’t seen any research into this, but we have received similar questions from others who are speculating whether it may be linked to symptoms they are experiencing. If you have any other questions, you can always get in touch directly. Melissa
Hi Antonia, that’s an excellent question. I haven’t seen any studies specifically linking this, so I’ve added it to our list of questions to ask an expert. Given the hormonal link to recurrent UTI, it seems plausible. Melissa
What is the role of testosterone treatment
( small daily dose of cream) in relation to UTI for post menopausal & naturethroid women /patients?!!
Hi Cathy, we don’t yet have any information regarding testosterone treatment for UTI. If you have any useful resources we can start looking into, can you send us a direct message? Thanks, Melissa
As always very informative and in a format that is understood,thank you
Can you tell me the differences with compounded estriol cream and the regular estrogen creams like estrace? I’m being treated for e faecalis and citrobacter in urine with antibiotics. Suffered with painful bladder syndrome for 7 years. Also given compounded estriol( I’ve had breast cancer) the estriol is weaker, I’ve been told so may take 3 months to work. My oncologist also told me about a new product Imvexxy which has a lower estrogen content than estrace and premarin. Obviously considering my history I want the lowest estrogen possible but still need it to work. Any thoughts? Thanks
Hi Lesley, that’s a great question and I’ve added it to our list for the experts. We share their answers periodically via our mailing list. If you’d like to join the list, you can do so above, at the bottom of the article. If you have any other questions, feel free to send them to us directly. Melissa
Hi Maria, thanks for your positive feedback! Melissa
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