Recurring uti

[Bordador]

I seem to have a recurring uti problem. I get a uti probably 5 times a year. They seem to arrrive at the same time as what I believe is my period .... though it is hard to say as I have a more a cool and haven't had a period for years. It isn't alsways obvious and is a weird discharge as opposed to actual blood. So sorry for tmi.

Has anyone else had this? It's so annoying and leaves me feeling uncomfortable and off colour for days. Also I hate the constant anti biotics. Any sage advice really helpful

What does your GP say? My surgery would have referred to gynaecologist after three bouts in a year.

Yes, and the classic solution is Ovestin cream (or similar oestrogen cream) which you apply up or around the fanjo. Vaginal atrophy can lead to multiple UTIs (dry, thin skin prone to irritation and infections). You can buy it over the counter as Gina but much better is to get it prescribed. You don't have to take full on HRT to use it. Cured me immediately.

You need oestrogen cream. You can apply it directly onto the urethra and vaginally .

I've had this problem, when I was younger and again more recently. The only thing that stopped it was taking cranberry extract tablets, try you local health food store. I have to take them continuously for a while m to break the cycle.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001trv6?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Listen to this. There’s a whole section about recurring UTIs & vaginal oestrogen. Then speak to your GP.

I have had uti problems over the past three years generally in the winter months. I took D Mannose which helped as it never worsened. This winter I have had none. I have cut down on my alcohol intake too. I also try and keep my body temperature stable by keeping active.

Thank you for all this helpful advice. Lots of things to think about and try. Brilliant advice on this page x

Check your vitamin D also and definitely reducing alcohol is very helpful.

You could also repopulating things down there with an oral probiotic.

optibac have a range for women. As we age we have less lactobacillus in the vaginal area. They create lactic acid which is ph4 so quite acidic.

When menopause arrives, these bacteria decease and the ph goes up and more opportunistic bacteria can take hold. So it’s important to try and keep things as lacto-charged as possible.

You could try drinking daily kefir which is full of good bacteria and eating more sauerkraut and kimchi, both full of natural lactobacillus.

I would ask for estrogen cream. UTIs are awful. https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/17/millions-of-women-are-suffering-who-dont-have-to-why-its-time-to-end-the-misery-of-utis

I know this is an old post, but all the people mentioning oestrogen - is this only if you're peri or post menopausal? Or is this something that's also tried in younger women (30s)?

I don't think so. UTI's in menopause are caused by virginal atrophy. The oestrogen helps with the atrophy and so the UTI's stop. Because the vaginal wall is so thin bacteria gets in more easily hence women in menopause can get more UTI's.

I can work in younger women. If you’ve been on birth control for any period of time your estrogen will have been suppressed all that time. Some never recover their old levels.

You can have atrophy in your 30s.