Good morning ladies.What about sex?! 3 years on leteozole and just now after having sex getting bacterial vaginosis every time. General practitioner doctor says it's because I lack estrogen (my breast cancer was Estrogen positiv)
Do I talk to my oncologist? Find homeopathic?
As someone in a post said who else do we talk to about this stuf?
Thank you in advance
Salome
Interesting. I’ve got something going on down there too. I’m on Ibrance and Tamoxifen though. The doctor took a swab yesterday, so I don’t have the results yet. I know it’s not a true yeast infection but there’s definitely some kind of irritation going on. The oncologist just said to ask my primary doctor. Sometimes I feel my questions are like a ping pong ball just getting tossed between doctors with no answers. Hope you get some relief!
Relief comes in your validation. , , yes, It's not a yeast infection. And something definitely is going on there as you say. I'm not sure this area is is researched by oncologist but They are in the chain of information. I might be referred to a urologist. I will try to find a knowledgeable gynecologist As well . I also rely on alternative Homeopathic nutritional professionals. Thank God for them.
Here's duologists on this road. Sending love
Salome
Nocillio, Your wording resonates.. So well put : " Sometimes I feel my questions are like a ping pong ball just getting tossed between doctors with no answers.". Thanks for naming (what I surmise) is a recognizable situation for those of us with multiple Doctors..
I’m getting regular UTI’s. I see my primary for those. She has a standing order for Bactrim DS at the pharmacy for me now. I’m now able to go get a refill if I know I’ve got one. This is the 3rd one this year. It sure beats the alternative!! Hang in there!! 🙏🏻💗🙏🏻
Thank you for sharing. I will check on bactrim. I've been fine for 3 years this has come as a Frustration and disappointment , If indeed it is letrozole medication related. As needed for estrogen positive BC Have a good day. Thank you for the encouragement. Sending love, Salome
I had constant bladder infections before my diagnosis. The way it’s been fixed is I take a 50mg nitrofurantonin after sex. The other thing is, even though it’s not recommended, I chose quality of life and use estrodiol. I only place a small amount two times per week. My tumor markers have been down since I started on Xeloda and have been steady. They’re still high but came down 200 points after starting Xeloda and Faslodex.
Good morning, Thank you so very much for your thoughtfulness and replying with recommendations. This will give me a starting point in discussion with doctors. Have a good day,
With love, Salome
I use estradiol twice a week too bit I'm still getting infections.
I’m on Ibrance and Anastrozole I just gotten over my fourth UTI this year. It was so bad I had to go to the ER. It was like it came on over night. Thought I was having a heart attack. Good to know others are having it, I thought it was just me. Maybe aside effect of the Ibrance Pfitzer needs to know about? Or do they? Not sure I’ve read this? Sorry, I’m 71 and wishing I was having sex, I’m jealous!! Hubby has no interest.
Good morning Sharon, Thank you for your reply. It is nice to know it's not just me. And yes it comes out of nowhere. That is my concern. Sex is nice, But can't be enjoyed if I know It will result in infection, but If the medication is causing this problemI need a solution . Uuff- I'm sorry to hear of your situation.
Thank you again for your time to write
Sending hugs.
It is a side effect of Ibrance, unfortunately. 😢
I am so glad to see these posts! I was going to post something about frequent UTIs and are they related to Ibrance or Letrazole. I am tired of the frequent burning. I see my urologist Monday and will mention the medications to him. He thinks I am not peeing right and hesitates to give me an antibiotic. I take pills to relieve the symptoms!
How did it go at the urologist? I will see a new gynecologist To discuss. Not peeing right? Really? As others have said thank goodness for this forum and God-bles all
My best advice is to use Replens a product that really works to lubricate made for women. With out the irritation there is less risk of infection etc
Good morning thank you for your time to write. I have started on replens. Can't report on its effectiveness yet. Wink wink 😀
That cracks me too I! Good luck!
I used to get severe UTIs that put me in the hospital for 5 days but now take an antibiotic every day...Tera-Cephalexin 250 mg. I have been on it almost two years and no UTIs. I am also on letrozole and Ibrance.
Thank you so much. I had no idea that this would be an issue with with leteozole. I had 3 years with no problems at all. This really caught me a guard surprised and frustrated.
I've never had a UTI, not before and not with cancer. I have had women oncs and gynecologists, who have recommended that I use (RX) compounded testosterone cream or E-string to lessen vaginal dryness and shrinkage from hormone treatment. I think getting a refillable anti-biotic Rx is a great idea. So is having at least one woman doc among your onc, gynecologist or primary care doc whenever possible! If my experience is any indicator, woman docs are more likely than men to think of our sex lives an important part of our well being!
Hi there! There are a few lessons I learned over the years from my gynecologist. As we enter menopause, or even worst, are put on endocrine therapy which obliterates our bodies' estrogen levels and our bodies' ability to use estrogen in certain cells, we can suffer from vaginal dryness. On the surface that sounds pretty silly or easily handled, but it goes deep into our vaginal tissues causing many medical issues. These issues range from vaginal tissues tearing easily, getting irritated easily, it puts our natural Ph balance out of whack (causing yeast, bacterial and UTI infections). Some doctors suggest using estrogen supplements which are directly put on the vaginal tissues (both my Onc and Ob/Gyn said NO to that one for ER+ breast cancer patients) Both my oncologist and gynecologist suggested using a vaginal moisturizer every other day for 4 to 6 months (as directed on package - over the counter stuff), then once things settle down go to every third day application (with using it more often or a day less as our body needs it, but always continual use or we go back where we started). At first I thought this was stupid and wouldn't work. It was magic!!! Magic!! Also, drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated at all times. And on the UTI front, drinking plenty of water before and after sex and of course, always peeing right after sex. I was having many symptoms after starting Tamoxifen in 2013 and suffered constantly with having to take antibiotics, and anti yeast prescription pills for about three years. I started using Replens, and have used it every third day after the first four months of more often, and I have not had a single incident of yeast, bacterial vaginosis, dryness, tearing, or UTI since. I thought having my ovaries removed, hysterectomy and starting Letrozole would re-start these problems, but no issues what so ever, the Replens kept working and everything went on smooth sailing. I don't know about other brands, but the Replens brand brings the vaginal PH back into balance the same way estrogen does (but does not contain any estrogen, or hormones, or parabens). This is something that has made my life so much better. I hope this information is helpful to anyone reading this as well. Take care!!
Thank you thank you. Solutions yes I will check out replens. Is that the vaginal moisturizer?
Wow and thank you for explaining the whole situation of what's going on medically.
Yes recently, had bleeding during sex. I had no idea what was going on and now that I'm on the forum talking with you you gracious women I am learning what's happearning what's happening to my body. I was estrogen positive. Taking antibiotics don't work for me the bladder infection returns. And why take an antibiotic? My sister uses vitamin E Vaginal sepositories ( Only menopause related not cancer related)
Thank you so very much for taking time to explain and suggest.
Is sending love back to you
Salome
Virginia, USA
You are very welcome! Yes, Replens is a long lasting vaginal moisturizer. One more thing to note, vaginal dryness caused by lack of or blocked estrogen also causes urinary urgency, which is also addressed and relieved by using a long lasting moisturizer. It comes in boxes of 8 pre-filled applicators or boxes of 14 dose refillable applicator. Wishing you well, and I truly hope that this will is helpful to you in finding comfort and normalcy again!!
i feel sooooo relieved. you did more than a good deed to respond.and your right - trying to explain the UTI- its 'urgency". thats it.
knowing there is a solution. relief
🙏🙏🙏
In the end I talked to onc and she said overtime cream PV be ok as once vagina re-epithelialised minimal systemic absorption. If it wasn't for Ovestin cream I'd never have been able to have sex again.
Thank you I will check out oveztin. I didn't understand the abbreviation after cream PV? What is PV? Thank you again for an option solution.
Gratefully
Salome
Virginia USA
Sorry Salome, it stand for per vagina.
Thank you for posting this question! I’ll be seeing my gyne Friday!
Discontinuing Letrozole 
High cholesterol while on Ibrance and Letrozole.
Itchy tummy - Ibrace and Letrozole 
Letrozole & joint pain
Letrozole/Femara V Anastrozole
