D Mannose

[frecklejuice]

Just wondering if anyone takes this for recurrent UTI’s and if it works?

I’m getting constant cystitis and it doesn’t always need antibiotics (no infection showing up but I have the burning etc). Maybe it’s another peri symptom because I’m 47 and take Oestrogen (hysterectomy last year).

It’s quite often a few days after sex as well which doesn’t take place too frequently so I’m able to notice it!

Sounds like GSM to me. Might be worth seeing a proper menopause specialist as the vaginal estrogen products don't always work for everyone and you may need to switch. GPs can be a bit one size fits all for this.

Yes I take it. Now I take before and after sex. It works pretty well.

Yes! Make sure you are getting a decent one though as there are some online that aren't as efficient.

If you get sore frequently or have cystitis take it once a day. They say to take it with just a small amount of water, then wait 20-30 minutes and drink a lot of water (I usually drink a pint). The idea is that you give it time to bind to the bacteria and then flush it out of your system.

If you are very sore and feel you are starting to get a uti you should take it in the same way your would take an antibiotic - a strong dose at least 4 times a day for at least 5 days, continue to take it for a few days after symptoms are gone. For me, I usually start to feel incredibly tired when I am starting to get an infection and a little bit achey, that's the point I will usually do 5-7 days of dmannose 4 times a day.

If you feel it has developed into a full blown infection and it's not enough to tackle it, go to your gp and get an antibiotic! You can use dmannose to help it along, but if the infection has gone into your kidneys you need the hardcore drugs.

Also after sex is a good idea as it will get rid of any potential cross contamination! For the same reason, I am sure you know, always force yourself to get up and pee after sex.

I used to get about 4 infections a year and have managed to stay off antibiotics for years - I had to take them once 5 years ago when pregnant but otherwise I have had none in a long time!

Are you using vaginal oestrogen cream as well as systemic HRT, because I have interstitial cystitis and that’s made the biggest difference to me (I’m 45 and had IC for 30 years). D Mannose sometimes works for some people but it’s the localised oestrogen that you need.

You need vaginal oestrogen as well as the HRT. HRT on it's own won't keep your pelvic floor and urethra healthy.

UTI symptoms and no infection is classic genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

I take it daily and use vaginal oestrogen. I also have prophylactic antibiotics (only take with a trigger, not daily).

Thanks everyone this is really helpful, I don’t use vaginal oestrogen just the gel (1 pump). Maybe I need to go back to the GP to discuss things but I’ll order some D Mannose in the meantime.

I just feel really irritated down there all of the time, itchy but no thrush, sore but for no reason and regular cystitis.

I have taken it for several years after some nasty utis/kidney infections
i was on prophylactic antibiotics for ages before but I don't have to be any more!
My mum and several friends also suffered and have taken it, all have had great success with it too

I think it should be recommended but obv no drug companies make money out of it grr

I take it daily as a preventative and since taking it I haven’t had any infections. I used to routinely get them every 6 months

I did take it and I think it helped a bit. But through sheer chance- a difficult cervical smear- I got prescribed Estriol pessaries and they’ve dealt with the pain that I thought was infection. And I realise I have urge incontinence, which I’ve had all my life but has been getting worse.

But from what I’ve read d mannose definitely helps

D Mannose won’t help with soreness. You definitely need the vaginal oestrogen cream - not pessaries as these are harder to dissolve if you have soreness and drynes. You want estriol or Ovestin cream. You apply it externally and use the applicator to insert some internally too.

As a side note- 1 pump of oestrogel is a very low dose. Most women need 2 or even 3.

Definitely get on the vaginal estrogen. If you can afford it a menopause specialist would be worth it in my opinion.

So you probably need more than 1 pump gel, oestrogen pessaries plus cream to spread around the whole area.

At the moment your HRT dose is very low and your vulva is complaining.

D mannose won't help with dryness but these are brilliant
Balance Activ Menopause Moisture Pessaries, Vaginal Moisturiser, Fast, Long-Lasting Relief from Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort, Vaginal Dryness Treatment for Women, 10 Easy to Use Pessaries : Amazon.co.uk: Health & Personal Care

It’s complaining loudly as well!! I have a HRT review in August so I’ll talk to the GP about increasing the pumps.

They sound great, I’ve just ordered some. Thank you.

A lot of people have said it’s a very low dose, I have a review in August so I’ll mention it then and hopefully can go up to 2 pumps.