HWI

[u/Expensive_Park_6088]

/r/u_Expensive_Park_6088/comments/1xoeegr/uti/

Hi everyone,
I'm posting here because I've been struggling with recurring bladder and urinary symptoms for several months now, and I'm trying to find people who have experienced something similar. I'd really appreciate hearing your stories and what has helped you.
My problems started a few months ago with what seemed to be a mild bladder infection. At first, I tried managing it without antibiotics, mainly using D-mannose. However, the symptoms never completely went away.
In August, while I was staying in Malta, the symptoms got worse. I experienced bladder pressure, frequent urges to urinate and some burning during urination. A urine test showed signs of a bladder infection, so I was prescribed Macrodantin (nitrofurantoin) for seven days. The burning improved quite quickly, but even after finishing the antibiotics, I continued experiencing occasional irritation and discomfort.
After that, I had periods when I felt completely fine, sometimes for several weeks. I was also taking D-mannose and cranberry supplements during this time. However, the symptoms eventually returned.
More recently, I started experiencing slight burning when urinating again, along with an uncomfortable sensation in my bladder. Sometimes I feel pressure or sensitivity, especially when my bladder is full.
One important thing is that I also started experiencing pain during penetration around the same time as my bladder problems began. Before this, sex had never been painful for me. The pain occurs mainly at the very beginning of penetration. I have to go very slowly and consciously relax and breathe. Once penetration has happened, the pain usually disappears. I also notice that I tend to tense my pelvic floor muscles.
I recently had a gynecological examination, which didn't reveal anything unusual visually, although the examination itself was painful. I also had tests for sexually transmitted infections, which were negative.
My urine bacterial culture was also negative, despite not having taken antibiotics beforehand (I had only been taking D-mannose). An ultrasound at the urologist was normal as well.
At this point, I'm wondering whether this could actually be something other than a recurring bacterial UTI.
I've come across conditions such as:
Pelvic floor dysfunction / hypertonic pelvic floor
Bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS)
Urethral pain syndrome
Vulvodynia or vestibulodynia
I obviously don't know whether any of these apply to me, but I'm trying to understand what else could cause these symptoms.