Can you have a UTI without having bacteria in your urine?

UTI: Why do I test negative for UTI's at the ER (dip stick) 24 hrs before I test positive or one?

• When I have a UTI.... I know it. Period. What I can't understand is when I do get to that point, (when I'm absolutely sure I have one because of 1.) spasms 2.) urgency 3.) urine tinged pink w/ blood and 4.) dull heavy-feeling pain in my lower abdomen) I will either go to the ER / urgent care clinic / or doctor's office and sometimes the urinalysis will come back negative. The last time it happened it was at an ER in a decent hospital; the Dr said there was "absolutely no sign of a a UTI." I told him that I was certain I had one. And I asked him if my drinking 2 liters of water 45 min before my ER visit could've diluted the bacteria enough to give a false-negative result. He said no and that regardless of how much water I drank, there would still be at least SOME sign of bacteria. Then I told him I was 2 weeks from menstruation and that there was blood in my urine earlier that day. He replied by saying there was no sign of blood in my urine sample either. Finally I told the ER dr that I had been getting UTI's since I was in kindergarten and that I was certain that I had a bad UTI and the pain was almost unbearable. He finally gave in and gave me a normal round of Cipro antibiotics (500mg 2/day x 3 days). (Pain meds were out of the question of course) Sure enough, within less than 24 hrs I was in my doctor's office w/ a full blown kidney infection and I still don't understand why my test came out negative with "absolutely no sign of a UTI" according to the ER doctor. What's infuriating is that this has happened 3 other times in my life. What drives me absolutely crazy is when doctors think they know more about your body than yourself. I've been living with this body for 24 years, I know it better than you and your degree!! Grrr! Additionally, because the doctor didn't take my medical history seriously, and because he only gave me a 3-day course of Cipro. My infection turned into a complicated kidney infection that endured for 1.5 months, 10+ different antibiotics, 2 hospital visits, and $3,000 in med bills <--because I was a student, I could use the med offices during regular business hrs but not insured for ER visits. What the ______?!

• Answer:

  You can't expect someone in the ER to treat you for something you test negative for. People lie to them constantly, they can't just take your word for it. Find yourself a better primary care physician that is familiar with your medical history and willing to listen to what you have to say.