Could recurring UTIs cause IC?

[Sara N.]

Could a recurring UTI cause you to get IC? I recently got a UTI that wouldn't go away. I'm pretty sure I got it from my boyfriend. And now that it's supposedly gone, I'm still having symptoms that I never had before the infections...freguency and a feeling to go after I void. I don't know if I just still have an infection, or if it is possible that the UTIs could cause me to get IC. If anyone knows, please tell me. Thanks, Sara

[Mhepe]

Hi Sarah! I too was told that I had IC after about 12 bladder infections in a row. I think what may have caused it for me is an immune system over-reaction. I think that all the antibiotics, etc. convinced my body that it had to "save" my bladder, and now that there is no longer any infection, my body is still attacking. So yes, my story sounds very similar to yours, I never had any problems before this. I think I got the bladder infections in the first place from being really stressed out from school - then the doctor gave me Biaxin, which is a REALLY strong antibiotic, which only set me up for the next infection by killing all my natural defenses!

[monikap]

Hello, I also had about 10 UTIs before it went into a 'chronic bladder pain' and was diagnosed with IC. So I believe there is a connection, at least for us.

[1curly1]

chronic Uti's

This sounds very much like my story in that I have had one bladder infection after another this past year. I have been on Microdatin and Bactrim, much of the time. Then last summer, nothing worked anymore, and I didn't test out with infection. I just had two urine tests last week and haven't got the results, yet....I keep wanting to start in with antibiotics, because they used to give me relief, but they don't seem to make anything better, now. Seems likely that there is a connection.

[mcrabb73]

I had UTIs and bladder infections off and on for practically my entire life. Than in Feburary of this year I got a bladder infection...and just like you...once the infection was gone...the symptoms didn't stop. It felt like I still had the infection. My urologist said that when bacteria are present it gets the nerves "all revved up" but that for most people once the bacteria are gone...the nerves calm back down. But for some people the nerves don't calm down. Causing the symptoms to continue even though their is no longer an infection. So I believe there could definitely be a connection.

[kkish3]

I really think that there is a connection because I also had similar experiences. I had about 12 UTI's before one of my doctor's finally was like, OK I think it's something else... I'm just wondering if doctor's have been misdiagnosing me because they didn't know what was wrong???

[1curly1]

kkish

I think that many doctors don't really take the time to review the information you give them, and they see too many patients. They just want a quick fix, get their money, and get you out of their office. It seems like you have to be your own doctor, many times. I think we are often getting substandard treatment and the doctors here are paid more than any other country. There are always exceptions to this, but not nearly enough.

[Briza]

I had UTIs and bladder infections off and on for practically my entire life. Than in Feburary of this year I got a bladder infection...and just like you...once the infection was gone...the symptoms didn't stop. It felt like I still had the infection. My urologist said that when bacteria are present it gets the nerves "all revved up" but that for most people once the bacteria are gone...the nerves calm back down. But for some people the nerves don't calm down. Causing the symptoms to continue even though their is no longer an infection. So I believe there could definitely be a connection.

Many here on ICN report having numerous REAL UTIs, or even just one REAL UTI, that triggered their IC/UTI-like symptoms, even after the infection was treated and long gone. This is not the case for me and my IC, but from the vast majority of members here who report a history of UTIs or just even one bacterial-related UTI, I personally believe that this is definitely one of the very real things that damages the bladder lining and makes one susceptible to getting IC or IC symptoms. IMHO, no doubt, even tho this has not been my history or experience. Bri