Referred to Urology after many recurring UTI’s. Appointment included many tests including a flexible cystoscopy, which was very uncomfortable as doctor had difficulty locating urethra due to grade 2 cystocele and uterine prolapse. The urine flow test showed that I was not fully emptying my bladder, but after 3 attempts managed 98%, and now I’m making great efforts to make sure bladder is empty, which doctor tells me will improve matters. The diagnosis was that UTI’s are likely secondary to atrophic vaginitis. Have been prescribed Estriol Cream to apply daily for 2-3 weeks, then reduce to twice weekly.
Am going to start this today, any advice on using to applicator would be appreciated.
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I have this horrible condition as well as the prolapses , they’re very common.
I have found seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist, who specialises in female pelvic floor issues very helpful.
Sometimes we can develop a hypertonic pelvic floor from the discomfort of repeated uti infections. This also can make it harder to fully empty the bladder as it is held in a clenched state.
I have to use topical oestrogen daily, Estriol and Vagifem , the latter is easier to use and more hygienic, although not great for the planet , being throwaway plastic .
Also specialised moisture creams . I also take daily antibiotics for any residual urine left in the bladder .
Women didn’t talk about these issues until more recently , I’m glad things are now becoming more open. I feel so sorry for all the elderly women in care homes who are suffering, all for needing oestrogen.
I have also developed Lichen sclerosis over the last few years. I had no idea, I was too busy caring for family members.
Wishing you well.
More pain and discomfort as well as PMR , at least you’ll have more idea how to deal with it. x
Thanks for your reply. It was first thought the UTI’s were down to the Methotrexate injections in have weekly, so I was almost pleased to find out it wasn’t that. Going to start the Estoriol tonight, looks a bit messy to use but like most other things will get used to it.
I’m seeing a physio for back problem I also have, will ask about pelvic exercises. Such fun getting older, one more thing to deal with.
Your GP should be able to refer you to a specialist pelvic floor physiotherapist. They’re excellent at helping with prolapses too .
You can purchase applicators from Amazon , there are also applicators with some of the moisture creams such as YES . I couldn’t use it without an applicator.
There is an excellent Facebook group if you’re on Facebook, no one can see you’re a member, but they do have great advice.
We are more prone to UTI’s when we have PMR, I can’t remember if it’s the inflammation or the Pred at least it isn’t your methotrexate. I wish the Pred would help with the inflammation from the atrophy.
My UTI’s started periodically long before PMR , but I had UTI symptoms in 2020 that have never gone away. This is the atrophy.
Yes the joys of getting older, it goes so very quickly.
Sorry to jump in but saw that you suffer from LS and bladder issues. I’ve had LS since menopause but it’s generally under control. When my rheumatoid conditions flares so does the LS. At a recent gyne clinic they pointed out my bladder still looked full after being emptied. For years GPs have given me treatments for Thrush until the LS was diagnosed then they said Intitistial Cystitis . I definitely have stress incontinence and urgency to go, in fact going out has become a plan of where the Loos are. Not drinking to try and avoid this doesn’t work at all. Any way just sharing which is hard as you say there’s still a taboo and it still feels embarrassing.
The Lichen sclerosis was a complete surprise, I also was treated for Thrush and IC for years, it was only after going to the GP with a uti that wouldn’t clear up, she exclaimed I had LS . I saw a specialist dermatologist who confirmed the diagnosis and added vulvodynia into the mix .
I’m sorry you have it too , glad it’s mostly under control . The loo business is a real nuisance. I’ve never visited so many toilets. I’ve always hated going to public loo’s . .
We have a very long international flight over night next week, my first one, I’m seriously thinking of just wearing tenna lady pants so I don’t disturb everybody by going to the blooming awful loo cabin half the night. Mind you I’ll have to get up to stretch out my stiff knees .
Glad to hear you have the correct diagnosis and meds now, it’s a pity it takes long enough for damage to be done before diagnosis though. I wonder how our grandmothers and mothers coped with these things years ago when it was all unmentionable. At least they don’t try to cure it with antidepressants these days.
Tena lady pants is an option Stills , I’d try to get an aisle seat if possible. I think you’ll still have to go to the loo and it’s very important to drink plenty, especially for a long flight where we get dehydrated.
Once you’re there it’ll all have been worth it .
I really don’t know how our grandparents and ancestors coped .
They were certainly made of strong stuff , I have read how women were put in asylums and work houses due to menopause. You’re right, about being offered anti depressants, my grandmother had a nightly tipple that seemed to help with whatever ailed her .
From looking at all the family history my mum did , my great , great grandfather was committed to an asylum for “trying to murder himself “!
Take care and enjoy your trip . Take it step by step . x
" Not drinking to try and avoid this doesn’t work at all." - likely to make things worse as the urine gets more concentrated and the nasties are being flushed out even less.
Glad you’re getting sorted. Very interesting article in ‘Guardian’ recently about women post menopausal with frequent uti’s. Topical oestrogen being very important in reducing the problem and not many people ( including medics) being aware. Waiting & fully emptying bladder also important. Luckily I don’t have uti’s as I’d be scared to use oestrogen having had breast cancer many years ago. I do have Lichen Sclerosis though - luckily in remission since being on Pred. So far anyway. Good luck - things should improve massively I hope 🤞🏻
I had the atrophic stuff too, before menopause was done. I’ve only had one UTI ever and that was when I was young. However, a helpful gyn prescribed Estriol cream and I never get UTIs . It is allowed for breast cancer survivors because it does not affect the breast like estrogen. Excellent permanent choice for me. Can be bought online as Estriol, USP (United States, Pharmacopeia).
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