sudden urge to pee driving me nuts!

[ssd]

I realise this is part and parcel of my age, 50, perimeno, have been lucky so far with few symptoms and keep well, but the last few months I've noticed when I need to go to the loo, I need to go now

did a bit of dr google and am wondering, would vaginal estrogen help with this?

I dont have any other symptoms at all, just this

any info would be great

its not cystitis, I've never had this, no discharge or pain or leaking, just the urge to pee coming on suddenly

[PollyPerky]

In a word, 'yes'. And don't stop using it. You will need it long term /forever. two weeks daily to start with then twice a week thereafter.

[ssd]

thanks, can I ask, how on earth does it work?

[PollyPerky]

ok you want the science :)

Many organs and tissues of our body are dependent on estrogen to function well. These include the bladder, urethra, vagina, guts (to an extent), muscles of the pelvic floor (estrogen helps make collagen which is what gives skin and muscles support).

Estrogen keeps all these things plumped up and the mucus membranes that line the bladder and urethra stay plumped up healthy. Their cells have 'estrogen receptors' meaning they respond to estrogen circulating in the tissues.

During peri and post meno, estrogen levels fall and everything dries out. That's why you get the urge to pee, get dry vaginas, dodgy bladders etc.

So...when you use oestrogen creams etc vaginally, they are absorbed through the skin. The urethra and bladder are just on the other side of the vagina so the cream penetrates the tissues in the vagina and is absorbed by the urethra and bladder.

I feel like I've just written a GCSE biology essay! Hope it helps.

[ssd]

thanks so much for that

[ssd]

who'd be a woman,eh?

[Jennifer11]

I've had similar but with lots of cystitis and utis. Asked GP for it and have just gone onto 3 doses per week topped up with replens. Feel soooooo much better

[ssd]

thanks

I'll see how it goes and if its really affecting me too much day to day I'll go to the drs

[PollyPerky]

You should seriously think about tackling this sooner not later :)
If left it may get worse and you may also suffer from vaginal atrophy which can be put right, but takes longer the worse it is.

[ssd]

thanks

what on earth is vaginal atrophy?

[PollyPerky]

Loads online about it :) (google)

Basically, it's loss of estrogen which makes the vagina dry, sore, narrower, shorter, possibly hot and itchy, red (inside and the vulva), shrinkage of labia, and this condition also affects the surrounding areas like the bladder and urethra.

[ssd]

thanks again polly

[oldfatandtired1]

Just to say I started on Vagifem last year as I was in a new relationship post divorce and post menopause and intercourse was uncomfortable as I was so 'dry'. Not only has it made sex vastly more pleasurable but I now don't have to get up in the night for a wee! Previously I'd be up twice a night. If my relationship ended tomorrow I'd carry on with Vagifem, it is fantastic to sleep through the night again.