Post coital bleeding and recurrent BV

[girlynut]

I’m 49, have had two vaginal births, and sexually active. I have a Mirena coil and use 2 x pumps of Oestrogel daily. Diagnosed with fibroids in 2020 when I was experiencing heavy periods. Had a coil inserted which pretty much stopped periods other than occasional spotting.

For the past two years I’ve experienced post coital bleeding and recurrent BV infections. It’s really getting me down.

Metronidazole makes things worse as it kills all the good bacteria so the infection just comes back. I’m regularly using BV gels to correct my vaginal PH. Not douching or using perfumed products, just Dermol 500.

Last May the GP referred me “urgently” to Gynae. I chased today to be told the wait time is “over 40 weeks”. I’m at 42 weeks.

In September the sexual health clinic replaced my coil as I thought that might be causing the recurrent infections. Has made no difference.

In October the GP arranged tests. STI screen was clear. TVUS confirmed fibroids had not grown. Smear test showed HPV but no cancerous cells. Apparently I’m now on the waiting list for a colposcopy.

It’s just occurred to me today, that my symptoms could be due to vaginal atrophy as a result of menopause. I read that the thinning of the vaginal wall can cause bleeding during / after intercourse and recurrent infections. I’ve not got dryness or any redness, itching, etc. I feel like my vaginal has shortened… either that or it’s a proposed!

I wonder if a prescription for oestrogen pessaries or cream might help?

I’m rapidly giving up on the NHS helping me. I have private healthcare but torn whether to seek a referral to Gynaecology or a menopause specialist. Or both! It shouldn’t be this bloody difficult, should it?!

I would def be going private - if you have private cover, it seems like a no-brainer!

I would say its the HPV, it causes altered though not cancerous cells initially which makes the cervix tissue more delicate and prone to bleed after sex. Mostly goes away after 2-3 years by itself.

I feel your pain. I’m 53 and 2 years since last period. Had no bleeding luckily but got BV for the first time after a break away with DH. It goes away with the probiotic gels but returns within the week. Can’t get a gp appointment for two weeks for antibiotics but have read they may not be best as it’s a ph thing. Apparently after meno topical hrt can really increase the lactic acid in the vagina and prevent BV. Want to try Ovestin and think I’ll order online until I can see gp.

You can buy Metronidazole or Clindamycin online via Boots or Superdrug, if you can't get a GP appointment. But yes, it can strip away the good bacteria in the vagina too.

Thanks @PinotPony I tried that but as soon as I put my dob in it says online prescription not suitable.Just don’t really know what is best. My surgery used to give acces to free gp video calls with LIvi but they’ve just stopped this. I will phone in the morning and see if a gp or nurse will prescribe over the phone.

Spoke to Gp on phone and she has given me a prescription Ovestin. Hoping that corrects ph long term as well as improving comfort .

Metronidazole and Clindamycin never seem to keep BV away permanently for me.

I was prescribed cefalexin for an unrelated surgery and it finally cleared it up for good. It's used as a secondary treatment for BV in America. Worth asking if you can try a different antibiotic.

i got an infection once with mirena coil and bleeding after sex. when i was examined the coil strings had a bunch of my long hair and debris wrapped around them. was awful