Urinary Tract Issues: Foreign Object Insertion, Infection, and Fever - Urology

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Foreign body insertion, urinary issues, fever?


Hello Doctor, here’s the situation: Two weeks ago, I inserted a suction catheter into my urinary tract quite deeply.
When I removed the catheter, it was filled with blood, and my urine was also bloody.
After two or three days, the blood in my urine stopped, and I didn't experience much pain, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
However, last Saturday and Sunday, I felt a burning sensation in my perineum while urinating.
On Tuesday of this week, I went to the urology department for an ultrasound, blood tests, and a urinalysis, including a urine culture.
The blood test showed a white blood cell count of 10.65 and a urinary tract infection.
But today, I checked the health insurance app, and the culture result showed "No Growth in 3 days." Does this mean there are no bacteria in my urethra? If so, why do I still have an infection? Additionally, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever, around 37.3 to 37.8 degrees Celsius, and after my visit to the urologist, my temperature sometimes ranges from 37.6 to 38.1 in the morning, and in the afternoon, it rises to about 38.0 to 38.6, getting higher as the evening progresses.
Should I go back to the hospital immediately? The antibiotic instructions mention returning for a follow-up if I have a fever, but I’m unsure if my low-grade fever is due to the original issue or a side effect of the medication.

I also want to ask if inserting the suction catheter into my urinary tract could have harmed my bladder or prostate.
I have been on medication for three days, and the burning sensation in my perineum has decreased, but sometimes it still occurs.
Should I return to change my medication? The medications I am taking are Cefixime capsules, a gastric medication, and a tablet of Debaril.
Given that no bacteria were cultured, do I need to undergo any further tests?
Moreover, I am unsure if the inflammation in my urethra or my prostate is causing my urine flow to feel weaker than before, and it seems to take longer to finish urinating.
At the end of urination, I feel like I have to push a bit more to get the last drops out, and it usually takes two or three attempts to empty my bladder completely.
What could be causing this? Lastly, I am uncertain whether I should see an infectious disease specialist or return to the urology department regarding my fever.
Is there a way to determine if the fever is related to my urinary tract issues?

Mr. Hong, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/04

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology


It sounds like prostatitis.
The absence of bacteria in the urine culture does not rule out a bacterial infection.
You should promptly visit a urologist for proper treatment.
Describe your symptoms to the doctor, and he will understand right away.

Reply Date: 2021/11/04

More Info


It sounds like you're experiencing a complex set of symptoms related to your urinary tract, and I understand how concerning this can be. Let's break down your situation and address your questions systematically.

First, regarding the insertion of the suction catheter into your urinary tract, it is possible that this could have caused some trauma to the urethra or bladder. The presence of blood in your urine initially suggests that there may have been some injury. However, the fact that the bleeding stopped after a few days is a positive sign. The discomfort you felt during urination could be attributed to inflammation or irritation caused by the catheterization.

You mentioned that you underwent tests, including an ultrasound, blood tests, and urine cultures. The results showing a white blood cell count of 10.65 indicate some level of inflammation or infection, but the urine culture showing "No Growth in 3 days" suggests that no bacterial infection was detected at that time. This can happen for several reasons:
1. Sterile Inflammation: Sometimes, inflammation can occur without a bacterial infection. This could be due to irritation from the catheter or other non-infectious causes.

2. Antibiotic Treatment: If you were already on antibiotics when the culture was taken, this could suppress bacterial growth, leading to a negative culture result.

3. Non-bacterial Infection: There are other types of infections, such as viral or fungal infections, that may not be detected by standard bacterial cultures.

Regarding your persistent low-grade fever (37.3-38.6 degrees Celsius), it is essential to monitor this closely. A fever can indicate an ongoing infection or inflammation. Since you are experiencing fluctuating temperatures, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if the fever persists or worsens. The recommendation to return to the hospital if you have a fever while on antibiotics is standard practice, as it could indicate that the treatment is not effective or that there is another underlying issue.

As for your concerns about potential damage to the bladder or prostate, while the insertion of a catheter can cause irritation or injury, significant damage is less common unless there was a pre-existing condition or improper technique. The symptoms you describe, such as a weaker urine stream and the sensation of incomplete emptying, could be related to inflammation or swelling of the urethra or prostate, particularly if there is ongoing irritation.

In terms of your current medications, Cefixime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is often used to treat urinary tract infections. If you are still experiencing discomfort, it may be worth discussing with your doctor whether a different antibiotic or additional treatment is necessary.
Finally, regarding whether to see an infectious disease specialist or return to urology, it may be beneficial to start with your urologist, as they can evaluate your urinary symptoms in the context of your fever. They may decide to perform additional tests, such as imaging studies or further cultures, to determine the cause of your symptoms.

In summary, it is crucial to keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially the fever and urinary issues. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or if you have concerns about your treatment. Your health and comfort are paramount, and addressing these issues promptly can help prevent further complications.

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