UTI Advice.

sounds like a yeast infection. try OTC suppositories for yeast infections. if it doesn't go away, then go to the OBGYN.

You might also want to try blueberries to flush out infection. Also, Vagisil may help with discomfort. Drink plenty of fluids, too. Good luck!

Probiotics- I esp like Simplexity's Acidopholus- boosts immune system, handles yeast, and has the minerals you may need.

Go to a doctor to if you need to- they will take cash.
best, k

N.,

Why can't he put you on his insurance?? Does he want to take care of the baby while you get hospitalized for a kidney infection?? You may need antibiotics. I would call around to find a free clinic. You need to take care of yourself so you can care for your new infant. And if you can't find a free clinic, go anyway and send your husband the bill.

I've experienced the exact same problems several times in the past 11 years, here's what works/ed for me. It has always worked within 2 days and I've never had to go to the doctor. Continue taking the cranberry as directed. Drink a lot of water. Keep a cup of water with you all the time. Drink a cupful every time after you pee. And when you feel like you have to go, hold it for just a few minutes before you go. Going a lot is what makes UTI's hurt so bad because it irritates. Don't drink anything but water until it clears up. As for the white discharge, if it isn't smelly or any other color, it's nothing major. I get it when I've had too much yeasty food. Cut back on breads and pastas for awhile and see if it gets better. If after 2 days it isn't better, try to find an OTC UTI treatment.

Hi N.,

The OTC meds for the yeast infection will help your infection in the vaginal area but if a yeast infection shows in the vaginal area, then your entire body is eaten up with it. Probiotics are necessary right away to help. Tanalbit by Intensive Nutrition will rid your body within about 8 weeks if you avoid all sugars; 3 months if you just limit them. Go on their website and make sure it's okay to take while you're breastfeeding. My gut tells me it's safer for the baby than the yeast is.

Cranberry is good for the UTI but sugars will keep your immune system down so that it won't be as effective. Cranberries are also most effective in prevention, not cure. Make sure your supplement is pure and a pharmaceutical grade supplement and your juices must be pure as well. Water, water, water, is also essential.

Talk to the clerks at the health store as well. They have much more training than you know. If they don't know something, they will usually tell you.

Regards,

M.

I would research the internet and learn how to make your own yogurt. It is full of positive bacteria and helps combat excess yeast. It is extremely cheap and you can even but expensive organic milk and your product will still be cheaper than buying the generic, sugar filled yogurt at Wal-Mart. It's so easy, I make a batch every week. The yogurt will also help fight excess bad bacteria in your body as well. Garlic is also good for urinary health and has antibacterial properties. Make sure you are drinking a LOT of water, not too much, but make sure you get at least half your weight in ounces ( ie: if you weigh 150 pounds, you need at least 75 ounces of water perday, plus an extra 30% if you are nursing). Keep nursing exclusively, this is your bodies best defense against sickness for you and your baby. Adding cranberry will help and urinating often also helps. Avoid baths, stick to showers for awhile and make sure you ALWAYS pee right away after sex or foreplay. Touching can press bacteria into your urinary tract and peeing will help wash out the area. Sleep without underwear and wear a house gown without underwear around the house whenever you can to help "air out" the area to stay as dry as possible. Wearing a pantyliner can help when you are away from home to pull moisture away from your body. If you truely had a UTI, you would know it. It would be excruciating. It sounds like you may have the beginnings of one, but your body is working hard to fight it. Keep up with the cranberry tablets and get some 100% cranberrry juice, check the labels, many say 100% but are actually 100% juice, not pure cranberry. You can find it at most whole foods type stores. If you can get some canned cranberries, even better, just eat a few teaspoons twice a day. If it is too sour, mix it with some marmalade. Other than trying to stomach the cranberries, try to stay away from sugary foods for a while. Sugar is the main fuel for infection AND yeast overgrowth, plus it will fool your body into thinking it has had a sufficient amount of calories to support you and your growing baby, instead of craving healthy foods you both need to optimum health. Worse case scenario, if you get really bad, you can go to a CVS pharmacy to a minute clinic for about $60 and be seen. Ask for an antibiotic that is on Publix or Wal-Marts FREE list. Such as Amoxicillin or Cephalexin. These are all mild antibiotics and wont have an adverse effect on the baby. Again, taking in yogurt during this time will help replace the good bacteria your body needs.

Go to the store and buy cranberry juice. A lot of it. And start chugging. I didn't have insurance when I was in college and got several uti's. I drank enough cranberry juice to send me to the bathroom every 15 minutes. After about 3 hours, the burning started to lessen. So drink, drink, drink. And even after you think the UTI is gone, keep drinking it for a few more days. Best of luck to you!
Jen M.

if it's a UTI, you need to see a medical professional because it will need to be treated with antibiotics...I used to get them ALL of the time (unfortunately) and if you don't do anything about it, it can (as mentioned below) turn into kidney stones...see if you can go to an immediate care clinic or the CVS or Walgreens instant clinics they have...you can do an at home test for yeast infections now from vagisil...(over the counter should be available at almost any store that sells that type of stuff)...I wouldn't try the AZO because I am not sure if it's safe to take while breastfeeding (I guess you can ask the pharmacist)...my urologist told me that drinking cranberry juice does not cure an infection, it will keep them away...

cranberry juice will help but i prefer cranapple and i also used azo and it works well just dont be alarmed it you urine turnes bright orange. it will help with the discomfort and it will help clear it up. hope it helps you

Try mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drinking it a couple times a day. If you need to, add honey or even sugar, to get it down. Also soaking in a tub of warm water with AC vinegar. Another thing you can do is pour vinegar onto a warm, wet washcloth and place it on the area and keep it there 20-30 minutes once or twice a day. I went through months of a UTI--I'd never had one before--and I'm 58. Three rounds of antibiotics didn't kick it. I finally did the vinegar and got over it. You can google 'UTI' or 'urinary tract infection,' + 'natural treatments' and find all kinds of info and suggestions.

Do not have sex, it will make things worse. Use fragrance-free soaps when washing. I had a bad UTI, blood in my pee, shivering, and went to a pharmacy in Hialeah that provided me with antibiotics without a prescription. I also took Uristat and drank a lot of soups and liquids without sugar. It eventually went away on its own with all that treatment. Unlike you, I do have insurance, I just cannot take time off from work as they love to find an excuse to fire people and it's been a revolving door for the past 4 months. If you cannot afford insurance, apply for Medicaid. It's provided by the government for people of low income, if this is your case. Your husband is incredibly selfish for denying you coverage, I must say. A true man would sacrifice his own coverage for his wife, especially after having a baby and all the complications that can take place after having the baby (infections, for example). How did you pay for the delivery if you didn't have insurance?? Honestly, you need to demand that he show you appreciation by putting you on his plan. Sorry to be so harsh, but I like to tell it how it is.

Hi,
I just wanted to add that both UTIs and yeast thrive on sugar. Cut down on your sugar intake including fruit juice. The cranberry juice is wonderful for it but you should TRY to get it without the sweetener! Ihave yet to see it at regular grocery stores but they usually have it at the health food store.
Good luck. And yes, tons of water!!!!
A.

I would say you really need to get some antibiotics. If you already have burning the infection has started and you can't eliminate that without a prescription. Publix has free antibiotics so you would only need to pay for the doctor visit, most will negotiate the rate with you prior to you being seen or do a payment plan. Good luck but definitely get it checked out before it works its way into your kidneys!

You can feel discomfort (burning) from both yeast infections or UTI's. I get them both, but the discharge sounds more like yeast infection. One sign that it is a UTI is if you have to go frequently, but can't actually go very much, and it burns badly. UTI's often make you feel like you need to go constantly, but you can't really go. If this is occuring, I would say UTI for sure. If it is not, it could still be a UTI also. It is hard to tell. UIT's can also sometimes produce blood, and I don't believe yeast infections do that. I would not take anything, herbal, OTC, holistic, or prescription, without checking with a doctor or pharmacist first. If you decide you want to take an OTC product, you can call a pharmacist or your pediatrician to have them check if they are safe while breastfeeding. My doctor has told me that cranberry juice and supplements aren't going to get rid of it by themselves. And if you do juice, make sure it is 100% juice or there is really no point. I've never had luck treating UTI's myself. Yeast infections you can, but just double check the safety of them.

I have been seen for UTI's with no insurance before. If you go to a regular primary care doctor, they often charge you less if you tell them you are self-paying. It should not cost you more than $100. (Urgent care will be more expensive than a regular doc.) Yes, that is a lot, but better than turning into a kidney infection. And it is less than a montly insurance premium. If you think it is UTI and not yeast infection, I would definitely get seen. Good luck, I know they are so uncomfortable. (For yeast infection- no sex for several days after starting treatment. You can pass them back and forth.)

i work for a urologist and one of our specialities is UTI's. This is what i recommend.
WATER WATER WATER. cranberry helps some people but not all. water is the best thing to drink with ANY type of infection.
Vingar.... put like 1 -2 cups of white vingar in bath water. just take a normal bath with the vingar in it. if its yeast... it will help it almost immediatly.
Vagisil & Monistate are OTC drugs that are good for yeast.
for burning OTC AZO, Prosed, Uriset all work wonders
now if you try those suggestions and nothing changes i would DEFFENTALY get checked. a simple UTI can turn into a complex UTI and can get serious. the infection can go into your kidney, blood stream, and make you really really sick. clinics can treat UTI's, hospitals, primary drs, specialists, even GYN's! i wish you luck and if you have any other questions you can PM me.

Hi N., you poor thing! I used to get lots of UTI's so I understand your pain. I just wanted to point out that AZO or Uristat alleviate the burning and constant urge to go to the bathroom but it doesn't do anything to cure the UTI. I think it sounds like you have both a yeast infection and possibly a mild UTI. I also had a yeast infection while breastfeeding and the pharmacist told me it wasn't 100% safe to take the one day pill so I used the suppositories for 7 days, took probiotics and ate lots of yogurt. I never found the cranberry pills to help me much, but do drink lots of water and avoid acidic foods and drinks - they cause the burning. It took me awhile to get everything under control and it can be so frustrating. If you can get into a clinic it may speed up the process. Hope you feel better soon!

N. - I am going to tell you everything you need to do and you will get better. I am a mom of three and am also breastfeeding. I have been researching holistic health solutions for many years now. What I am going to share with you is what has worked for me and many of my friends I have shared information with. I do however think you need to make sure it is not anything else like kidney issues.

For a UTI there is a natural supplement called Solaray - D-Mannose - 60 Capsules. Buy online here http://www.luckyvitamin.com/p-16207-solaray-d-mannose-60-...
Or Wholefoods carries it.
For elimination of yeast infections and overall vaginal health take
Natren - Gy-Na-Tren Vaginal Health Solution Kit - Its a probiotic to take orally for 15 days and a probiotic to insert for 15 days like you would do with Monistat or any of the other yeast products. Buy online here http://www.luckyvitamin.com/p-2083-natren-gy-na-tren-vagi...
This stuff eliminates odor, yeast and infections. i use it all the time and while preggo when I had a bad infection and did not want antibiotics and chemicals inside of me since I was dilating and high risk pregnancy.

Both of these products are amazing and will clear up any issues you are having.

There is one more product that is specifically for UTI's and is also 100% natural but it contains Goldenseal root which is typically not recommended while nursing but I will list it here in case other moms need it.
http://www.vibranthealth.us/?p2=/modules/vibranthealth/pr...

Please send me a message if you have any questions or need any help. I know the first 2 supplements will help you greatly. Please let us know how it went after you have tried them out.

God Bless
M.

go see your gyn. If you have a yeast infection,an OTC cream will take care of it (tell the dr. you are breastfeeding so she doesn't prescribe you oral antifungals). If you have a UTI, there are antibiotics you can take that are safe for breastfeeding moms (this happened to me, so I know for a fact). Just be absolutely sure the dr. knows you are breastfeeding (don't just tell the nurse and have her write it on the chart, tell the dr. yourself). No reason for you to suffer! :)

if you have a UTI you have to get rid of it with antibiotics, if you have Publix they are for free. Drink a lot of water, keep on taking the cranberry, change your undies frequently, try not to have frequent sexual intercourses, If you think you have yeast infection, try over the counter Monstat 1. God bless you and your baby.

Can you get to a minute clinic at a pharmarcy? They don't charge too much and can diagnose simple infections like an UTI and give you a prescription.

I was once in your situation (no insurance) and my UTI developed into a kidney infection, while I was trying OTC remedies... the most painful condition I have ever experienced and it put me completely out of commission for about a week due to the fever and pain. A yeast infection does not usually cause painful urination, but itchiness and vaginal discharge. It's possible to have both at the same time.

If it's not a UTI and you think it might be yeast, just try an OTC antifungal for a week and see if the discharge goes away.... but I would definitely get checked for an UTI.

You can also try eating yogurt. The bacteria in yogurt will help if it's a yeast infection. If it's a UTI and it's too severe already, you're going to need to see someone though. You don't want it to spread. The last thing you need while taking care of a little one is to be sick yourself. I understand the need to make sure that your baby has insurance but what good is that going to do if you're the one that's sick? Your husband really needs to think of your well-being too.

Probiotics are GREAT. Take them everyday ,along with the other remedies that you decide.
Garlic suppositories are also know to really help if you would like to try it.
I have done them and they really worked.
You make a small "tampon" of a raw peeled garlic clove by wrapping it in a small piece of cheese cloth ,tie tiny knot and leave a length of "string " so you can take it out . keep one in overnight ( taking it out in the morn ) for 5 days on take a five day break and than 5 more days.
The cheese cloth tampon did not really work for me, although this was how I was taught, so I just ended up using my clean fingers ,it all depends.......
Most any doctor will give you a cash discount if you tell them you do not have insurance. Do let this limit your healing process if you feel it becomes necessary!
good luck!

Please get to a doctor. If you let a UTI go without antibiotics, it can get much more serious. It can be treated relatively easy at this stage, with abx that are safe for nursing. If it progresses, you may be worried about a lot more than the cost of a doctor's visit. If you've never had a yeast infection before, it's hard to know if that's the problem, so you shouldn't try to self diagnose. The pee-not-smelling-good thing definitely sounds more like a UTI.

Good luck.

Sometimes its hard to tell if it is UTI, or a yeast infection. If UTI you need antibiotics, you cannot treat it yourself. You should get a diagosis from a doctor ASAP> You are putting your health at risk by not doing so, what if it is a seriously infection it can affect other parts of you! And you have a baby to care for. I must say you just had a baby but are not on your Husbands Health Plan?? I am sorry, I just dont get that.

A uti, if left untreated can move up to the bladder and then up into the kidneys which can cause blood in the urine and cause great pain. Pain so bad it is doubtful you'll be able to breastfeed; and even if you could, do you really want to feed your baby knowing you're infected?
What I'm getting at is that a UTI can be dangerous if ingored and antibiotics are not used. I know this because I too just went throught it. I let my condition go trying to drink lots of water and cranberry juice and take cranberry supplements but all it did was end up causing a kidney infection I had to have IVs inserted and all which cost me hundreds if dollars. This time, I just went to the dr and it was only like $100. I too, am without insurance. But sometimes your health and comfort is worth it's weight in gold.