Are you absolutely sure it's an infection? I ask because I have a condition that is often seen in fibro patients called interstitial cystitis. It feels just like an infection, but of course, is not affected by treatment. Once I got on the correct medication, it was under control and only flares up every once in awhile when I do a little too much. I take two drugs for it: Pyridium and hydroxyzine. I tried the Pyridum alone, but it didn't stop the agonizing pain, so the dr. added the hydroxyzine. As I say there are the flares, but most of the time, it's under control. I hope you find out what's happening.

Are you sure all of the irritation is actually a bladder infection? I found that if my IBS is acting up so is my bladder irritation usually. Bladder irritation feels like a bladder infection but when I have gotten it cultured no infection is found. There is a great list on the IC site that talks about what foods can irritate the bladder. The list is long but it is a process of figuring out what foods are actually causing the irritation. For me it is soda, wine/alcohol, too much chocolate, too much citrus and ibuprofen. I have found that going into pools can also cause my bladder to be irritated from the chlorine. So if you think it is an infection before going on antibiotics make sure you have your urine check for white blood cells.

Well I haven't done this myself but I noticed I get Uti's when I start going back to the pool each summer. So I looked it up and one advice on one website from other sufferers was to put Vaseline on the "area". To create a kind of barrier so bacteria from pool can't get in there.
NOW I do not know if there is any validity in that advice and if it is ok to do or not but I am gonna give it a shot when I return to pool therapy.

Oh and the bladder irritation. Yes I had that. Can be painful. I was seeing a Urologist and he ruled out infections or other problems and said that as we get older the muscle walls of our bladder can alter and not be as strong and can get irritated by foods and drinks that at one time would have been ok for us.

For me green tea irritated my bladder and it is decaf too so I had to cut way back on it. Also coffee, caf or decaf, doesn't matter.

Things have improved considerably since I made the changes.

I would get constant bladder infections at the beginning of my fibro era. I took such a cocktail of antibiotics and pills to relax my bladder it wasn't even funny. For a year straight until I literally spent all my money on the doctor visits! Finally my doctor decided to put a scope up my urethra to check my bladder, flush it out, and expand my urethra. Since that procedure (nearly two years later), I've been absolutely fine! Surprisingly, the doctor didn't see anything harmful, but flushing and expanding my urethra somehow did the trick!

Hi Emily , Going in water is a old wife's tale it does not cause infections. Water cannot go into your bladder, when you go in to a pool for aqua therapy. I have problems with infections and ic and I have seen numerous specialists that say water does not runup hill. If you think about it ,it is clear. just think of our anatomy what is before your bladder. if that was the case water would go in the vv it does not. I have ahot tub I am n it 4-6 times per day for pain. I do not get infections from the water I test it every week for bacterial and chemicals. so go enjoy your time in the water. In case you do not believe me ask your doctor.good luck isabee

hi Emily just one other thing if you drink cranberry juice with grape it will detox the bladder, you can also get cranberry pills. I eat cranraisins regularly.They seem to help.bye isabee

A neurologist told me that cranberry tablets are good because it causing a numbing of the bladder. However, a person with neurological deficits in the lower body shouldn't think about taking cranberry because of the numbing.

I use to get alot of UTIS when I started menopause and did through the entire phase, I made sure I wiped front to back, I try to avoid hot baths and also after getting out of the pool, I always took a shower and used the hair dryer to dry off down there.

I got a new gyn awhile back and she said UTIS are frequent when you start losing estrogen, I dont know your age but wanted to throw out my experience and what I have read and been told by a specialist.

Also if you drink alot of caffiene it can irritate the bladder.

I buy the azo test kits from the pharmacy and test to see if I have a uti before I go to the dr anymore, Also you can buy the pills that make your urine orange and that will give you some relief, drink alot of water, take cranberry tablets or drink the juice.

I had them constantly and it is no fun, I still get them at times but trying to use premarin to help with estrogen lost to prevent further UTI and all the things that come with estrogen lost. Though I have been post menopausal many many many years,

I know its aggravating I dealt with it for over 20 years and still have to becareful., esp everytime I got out of the pool and no hot baths.

I finally got in to see the urologist after many appt. with the pa. He did some tests, put me on an anti-biotic, and has me on a low dose of this for six months. So far, so good. No recurrance. Should have seen the dr. earlier.

Do see a urologist. They know what to do for you. It's important to be as comfortable as possible. p.s. I don't swim.

I think you can get an "irritation" from the water in a pool...you know, like an allergy type reaction. maybe that would feel like an infection?

But long ago a doctor told me how to cure a bladder infection, and it works every time. Squeeze the juice out of three large lemons. Pour into a gallon of purified (or distilled) water. Drink at least 1/2 gallon per day for about four days (that's two gallons and six lemons).

And every week I squeeze one lemon. I add this to two or three glasses of water and drink. And that usually keeps the bladder infections from ever starting.

I hope this helps.

You guys are wonderful with all the feedback. I have lots to think about and respond but can't do it now. Will definitely give it time tomorrow.

Hugs, hugs, thanks. All comments and tips welcome.