Menopause, UTIs & bladder issues

[LatelyOfShalott]

I’m not sure what to do. Longish story (sorry)
Background: Been on HRT for 16 years quite happily (oestrogen and progesterone tablets now daily). Had difficult births and have a mesh, and also get UTIs a couple of times a year and no idea why

All last year I had issues that I thought were mesh related but in November I started urinating a lot of blood. Called NHS direct and the duty GP called me an ambulance. Result was i got to see gynaecologist & urologist.

Gyny diagnosed vaginal atrophy rather than a mesh issue and I’m on Ovestin vaginal cream (twice a week). Urology scan diagnosed bladder issues that may increase the risk of bladder cancer so yearly check to see how I’m going. Bladder issues and Utis connected to vaginal atrophy though-who knew that was a thing!

All fine for 5 months then weeing blood again on Friday. On antibiotics and sure I’ll be all fine by the time the course is over. But… should I be concerned? I get no UTI symptoms before bloody wee and pain going to the loo

Never sure if I can exercise whilst I’m waiting to uti to clear and no idea who to ask before I see urologist in 6-8 months.
Genuinely no idea why I get utis.
Any one got any advice on where to get info/help. sorry for long read

I hate to say this, but if you are being monitored for possible bladder cancer and now you have bleeding, you should see your GP OR get in touch with whoever manages your bladder investigations. Insist on another assessment of your bladder. Don't just assume this is an infection. Please make the necessary calls and have someone check this out properly.

Thanks JHB. I’m on antibiotics which my GP has prescribed so they are aware plus pains in my kidney area add to UTI diagnosis.
I’ll get a 1 year follow up scan from Urology and will speak to them but I’m otherwise got and well, so no reason to think it’s the start of bladder cancer.
The more I read up though the more I see vaginal atrophy and UTIs are connected. Don’t understand why GPS aren’t aware of this: suspect lack of training.
Trying to find out what I can and can’t do to help myself I’d my goal here

To be honest, in your situation I'd not wait another 6-8 months for another bladder scan. You are classed as 'at risk' from what you say. (I can't comment on why you are at risk as you've not said. Is that because they found pre-cancerous changes?)

Vaginal and bladder atrophy is very common in menopause- maybe your GP is a bit of a dinosaur?

If you didn't have this risk for bladder cancer, I'd say fine, carry on with the Ovestin and don't worry. But you can't rely on an annual scan when you are experiencing symptoms. It's up to you but bleeding is the main sign of bladder cancer, so I think your GP is being negligent given you are classed as at risk.