How to manage chronic UTI in a 22-year-old female?

Question

Hello, Doctor,

I am 22 years old, weigh 77 pounds, and my height is 5 feet 2 inches. I have been suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) for the past two years. I experience a burning sensation while urinating, a strong smell in my urine, and orange or reddish urine color. I also have itching, white vaginal discharge, and severe back pain on the left side.

Additionally, I am not gaining weight and have a very thin body frame. I also struggle with acne.

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concerns and appreciate you sharing the details.

Burning urination is most likely due to a urinary tract infection (UTI). The other symptoms you mentioned also suggest a UTI. Left-sided back pain could be due to muscle or bone weakness, a possible kidney stone, or even vitamin D deficiency. Avoid premarital and extramarital sex, as it carries a very high risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), even if protection like condoms is used.

Recommended investigations:

Ultrasound KUB (kidneys, ureters, and bladder) and PMRV (post-micturition residual volume).
Urine complete examination.
Urine culture and sensitivity.
25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels.

Treatment plan:

Tablet Ciprofloxacin 500 mg, one tablet in the morning and one at night for two weeks.
Cranberry sachet (Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, hibiscus extract, cranberry extract, and D-mannose): one sachet in the morning and one at night for two weeks. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and take the medicines with their consent.

Follow-up:

Return for follow-up after the investigation reports are available.

Preventive measures:

Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily.
Avoid holding urine for long periods.
Maintain proper genital hygiene.
After urination, clean by wiping from front (genital) to back (anus), not the reverse.
Always urinate before and after sexual intercourse.

I hope this helps you.

Kind regards.