Mom never had problems with UTI's when she was younger. Once she became incontinent, though, she began getting them about every 3 months. The doctors always want a urine sample from her, but we can no longer get a urine sample from her. Without the sample, we cannot get a Dr. to prescribe an antibiotic.
I suggest you trim hairs as short as possible to improve adhesion and reduce discomfort when you carefully peal it off to contain sample. I don't suggest shaving due to itchy regrowth, risk of ingrown hairs & infection from scratches.
In 2011, she had a full UTI. She became wild, psychotic, hellish, and low functioning.
Antibiotics suspended the UTI, but she remained a 5 year old.
In 2012, she again had a full UTI and became a hellish 2 year old.
She remains an autistic 2 year old and continued carrying a low grade UTI even with continuous antibiotic.
We started using urinalysis test strips to monitor.
In 2014 her UTI flared and we changed doctors,
This doctor prescribed Cirpoflaxin
Ciproflaxin cured the UTI, overnight,
No UTI until 2015 when she went to ER for seizures.
Catheter catch caused a UTI.
Returned to ER next day and lab tests were identical to the home test strip.
We advised staff of Ciproflaxin success.
They administered Ciproflaxin via IV and cured the UTI, within 4 hours.
We stopped using depends and no hint of UTI since. 4 years.
The test strips also test for hydration, which is critical for UTI prevention.
We use a hat in the toilet to capture the urine.
A nurse advised that the test strips will work even if the urine is in the toilet water, if by chance you can't get a clean catch.
We tested against the whole family and found that is true.
Reagent test strips are expensive locally but affordable from Amazon.
We use these:
Urinalysis Reagent Strips - 11 Parameter (Pack of 100 Strips) by QTest - $11.99
Say no to depends. Say no to polyester, even blends. Polyester holds heat moisture and bacteria. It is also a sleep affecting irritation.
Christy is commando at all times. Washable cotton bedpads and cotton sheet for bed and sitting. Long cotton skirts and long cotton nightshirts for modesty.
It is all so worth no UTIs
4 years has never spilled onto the mattress and Christy pees a lot.
Disposable bedpads do not work.
We purchase online form Allegro. We have used the same ones for 4 years.
Lately I have had to change the bedding and shower her twice in an evening.
I gladly do it for no UTI.
Also, she has little cognition, but does realize and dislikes when she is soiled.