To ask for UTI wisdom

[MayasJamas]

Posting in AIBU for traffic - any advice really gratefully received.

I have always suffered from recurrent UTIs, worse when pregnant (a long time ago now) and since the onset of perimenopause. I tend to get an infection requiring antibiotics every 3-4 months, but almost more upsetting is the general, low level discomfort I experience much of the time, especially just before and at the start of my period. Almost like the general area, and my urine, feels kind of acidic.

I am on HRT and have also been prescribed vaginal estrogen, which I have just started to take. I take D Mannose daily which does seem to help. Probably due to my incessant internet searching for solutions, Cherry Healey’s new supplement Utee is being aggressively marketed at me. I’m tempted… tho not enough to spend £40 a month! Before I fall down a rabbit hole of probiotics and potassium citrate and cranberry and whatever tf other supplements the internet wants me to spend my ££ on, has anyone tried anything that actually works? Thanks 🙏

I found a mix of vagifem pessaries and Optibac For Women probiotics helped. The Optibac is £20 a month but you can usually get it on 3 for 2 and I now only take it every other day. One thing I would say about vagifem is that it took a good few months to start working properly for me.

Hi @MayasJamas . I agree with the above poster about vaginal estrogen so stick with it. I find that vaginal dryness can cause UTI feelings oddly. You could try a vaginal moisturizer to see if it helps. I find Yes Coco or Dr Wolf V San the best

D mannose is very good. Oregano oil will make ypu want to vomit but I also found it very good.
Never heard of that product you mention but check the ingredients carefully. It may just be d mannose and other ingredients you can buy anyway. The vaginal oestrogen should be very helpful so I'd give that a bit more time if I were you

Robinsons lemon barley water. A glass per day keeps UTIs at bay.
Recommended years ago to a friend by her GP when she was having issues.

Wash your undercarriage - preferably with soap - after every single poo (or at least use wipes if not practical), plus wash before sex. Keeps the e-coli load down.

Thanks - yes, have looked at the various things in Utee and it’s basically D Mannose, potassium citrate (which you can get for about £1 a bottle!) and a probiotic. So based on the advice here, I think I will build my own