Recurrent UTIs and perimenopause?

[Periandinfection]

I get a UTI about every 3/6 months. I’ve currently got one and it’s super painful and I’m so depressed to be back here again.

Is this a normal perimenopause thing? Or could it be something else?

No other symptoms.

It could well be caused vaginal atrophy. You could ask to try vagifem or similar and see if that improves things?

That’s interesting - I will! I take oestrogel already, would that not be enough oestrogen?

These UTIs are torture! And take days to get antibiotics for and clear up! Plus I don’t love taking so many antibiotics.

Some women need topical stuff as well. It’s a worth a shot at least.

Around 50% of women need more than HRT to manage genitourinary symptoms. I would recommend Ovestin as the cream can be used all over the region and it really does help the bladder and urethra.

Thank you - I will definitely ask my doctor if I can give it a try. Can’t stand these UTIs! What did women do before antibiotics?!

Second ovestin

Ovestin. Used externally as well as internally.

While you're waiting to see the GP order some D-mannose OP, it's amazing stuff! I went from having UTI's about every 6 weeks to not at all (can't remember the last time I had one) just taking one dose a day. You can get it online or I think Holland & Barrett sell it now too, I always keep some in the cupboard just in case.

Ovestin

Think you can just buy the vaginal oestrogen cream without prescription op. If you don't want to wait.

I second this. I just had one and I took D Mannose . It’s gone. I always keep some in the cupboard as I’m very prone to them. I use vagifem as well . Before I started on that I got constant attacks .

Yes, absolutely due to perimenopause and vaginal atrophy. Declining levels of oestrogen can cause a whole manner of genitourinary issues, all due a reduction of blood flow to the tissue not only in the vaginal canal, but the urethra too. and vulva as a whole This can cause the tissue to contract which exposes the opening of the urethra more than is should, thus making it far easier to get recurrent UTIs. The lack of blood flow (and declining hormones) can also make the skin more sensitive too.

While estriol and estradiol in the from of gel, creams and patches do deliver great results in addressing (and correcting) most symptoms connected to perimenopause, they do nothing to help vaginal atrophy and genitourinary issues. For these you need something topical, something that is absorbed directly into the vaginal tissue. While many do recommend Ovestin, Vagifen is easily the best. It's a teeny tiny pessary that is inserted before going to bed. Used nightly for two weeks, then bi-weekly indefinitely. It is miraculous stuff.

Vagifem is an incredibly low-dose oestrogen, and as it is applied directly into the vagina, doesn't absorb into the bloodstream and circulate one's body in the same way as all other HRT preparations. This is really important to flag because Vagifem is one of the HRT hormone medications that is safe for those with breast cancer. In fact, my oncologist actively encouraged me to take it (although as it happens, had already been using it for at three years, if not more now. )

Just reading about vagifem as I have similar issues. It says it is for after menopause?

This is really interesting listening about vaginal atrophy and other symptoms such as UTI's. It helped my Mum be much more informed when the doctors kept palming her off. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-dr-louise-newson-podcast/id1459614845?i=1000623008172

Ovestin
Hiprex (methenamine hippurate) 2 x day
D-mannose as and when if there are flare-ups
Cut out sugar

Wow thank you everyone. This is incredibly useful - I feel armed with knowledge to go to my doctor with! My doctor is kind and sympathetic so I’m sure she’ll prescribe this to me.

I will also look up the Holland Barratt suggestion!

I have gone overboard on sugar this week - three birthdays in the house means so much cake!! I wonder if that has made it a bit worse this time!

Menopause is used to describe the whole period of oestrogen deficiency in that sense - peri as well. It’s very low dose so can be used at any time but Ovestin is much better than Vagifem (see my comment above).