Persistent E. coli UTI despite antibiotics, should I ask for a referral?

[Hapideo]

Wondering if anyone has got a similar story or advice to share.
I was diagnosed with a UTI about 8 weeks ago and sample confirmed E. coli was present. Took a short course of antibiotics and it felt better but then few days later came back. Long story short .. have had 3 lots of antibiotics and 2 different kinds but each culture is still showing E. coli. Waiting for my next result as had sample taken when I’d finished the antibiotics- which should have worked.

I’m pretty sure it’s still here though. I don’t have a lot of symptoms but some minor ones. Main one is I think vulval discomfort. If my sample comes back again with E. coli should I push for a referral? I don’t want to take lots of antibiotics and also think the courses were too short? I have had 2 seven day courses now though.

I see a lot of threads where the urine culture doesn’t show anything but mine does. So wondering where I should go from here? Am getting a bit worried it’s not shifting.

Can I ask how old you are and whether you are using topical oestrogen. I have had three proven UTIs since June. Doubling my topical oestrogen after discussing with GP seems to have finally knocked it on the head. I have been referred for investigation in case stones are contributing but there is a strong family history of stones in my case.

If you are perimenopausal or post menopausal you’ll benefit from estriol cream. The drop in estrogen does mad things one of which is increased UTIs. I was in a similar position to you (too long to bore you with) and estriol cream has been a life-saver.

I’m 47 and not using topical oestrogen. I’m on HRT but been reading up and am thinking of asking to start it.
I’ve also had small kidney stones but that was around 2 years ago. Could this be affecting things too?

I would definitely ask to start topical oestrogen both internal and external hopefully that will sort it for you. The GP told me that the effect of low oestrogen on oestrogen sensitive tissue was probably the issue, hence her agreeing to double the doese Ive been on since 2020. I was more thinking that stones may make drainage sluggish and increase risk of infection. Getting desperate if I’m honest as the repeated episodes were making me so uncomfortable and interfering with work.

Hello @Hapideo . I'm sorry you're having all this trouble. It may not be a UTI at all but instead be a condition called aerobic vaginitis. I'm not saying it is but I think you should look it up and see if anything fits with your symptoms. I also agree with others that it could very well be peri menopause related as this can feel like a UTI and also cause vulval discomfort. It can also start quite suddenly in my experience.

Good luck with everything. Xxxx

@Hapideo In case it helps, here is my story. You'll need to scroll down to the later posts to read about aerobic vaginitis.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_health/5190130-beating-a-chronic-uti-success-stories?reply=144539588