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[Joaniepat]

Hi Jillm. You could ask the GP for Ovestin estriol cream, which can be applied just to the labia. Also, your doc should be able to prescribe either Yes WB or Yes VM, two very good moisturisers. If they can't/won't prescribe, have a look at the Yes website and maybe buy some direct from the company. Don't use anything with a whole load of chemicals and irritants, which most of the OTC products seem to have.

Two Vagifem a week is, I would say, the absolute minimum. Many women need more than that and some need it daily. What about upping your dose and trying every other day for a while?

JP x

[suzysunday]

Ovestin can be used internally it's a cream and you wash and re use the applicator.  Others on here use it externally with vagifem internally. Know what you mean about getting your vagina sorted before holidays! What a nightmare. Like you say, not a good time to start other hrt in case of worrying side effects away from home!

[Tc]

Jillm. If you don't want to try anything new hormonally for VM. then I would concur with the other ladies "yes VM" is a good alternative.

The local estrogens wont help the systemic side effects of meno but  I understand you don't want to start systemic  HRT before your holiday.

Being as you have a few weeks to go you could ask for estriol 0.01 for the vulva.it is the weakest of the creams so it's a good place to start. but if you don't want to start that then definitely start with the ",yes" or "sylk". Soon as. You might find these help by the time your holiday comes around.
I hope you have a lovely time.xx

[Jillm]

Thanks for your great info. GP prescribed Yes VM.
Tried it earlier today, been out for dinner and drinks with a friend and felt a bit more comfortable.
I'll assume it's the Yes and not the Jack Daniels and coke, thought if it is the later I can highly recommend it.
Oh I now think I have a bunion starting on my right foot. Guess I'll just hobble off home now😂😤

[CLKD]

Probably the effects of the "Coke" 

Enjoy the holiday!

[Jillm]

Hi again,
Well GP called me at work today to tell me I have another urine infection and on another 3 days of antibiotics oh joy.
IBS also seems to be flaring up again.
Will go get some probiotics tomorrow.
Kind of glad it's a urine infection, was a bit worried as lower abdomen has been bloated and sore.
Of course I jump to worst possible case of either ovarian cancer or bowel cancer, even though I have just received a clear result from bowel screening.
What is wrong with me? It's as if my mind is not happy until I am making myself sick.
Get a grip Jill, you are worrying yourself into an early grave.
That's me giving myself a talking to😡

[Wrensong]

Hi Jillm - you were not imagining symptoms & no need to give yourself a kicking for the worst case scenario thoughts - we all do that at some point.  Some of us repeatedly!  I've also had the pelvic swelling & tenderness with a UTI - I mean on top of the burning waterworks etc.  A UTI can cause urinary retention which tends to make the bladder dome up (visible when you lie down on your back) - a sonographer pointed this out to me.  Sorry, can't remember what's gone before in this thread & no time to reread, but in case you don't know, a 3-day course of antibiotics may not be enough, so be prepared to go back to your GP if you have any doubts.  Hope you feel much better soon.

[Katejo]

Hi Jillm - you were not imagining symptoms & no need to give yourself a kicking for the worst case scenario thoughts - we all do that at some point.  Some of us repeatedly!  I've also had the pelvic swelling & tenderness with a UTI - I mean on top of the burning waterworks etc.  A UTI can cause urinary retention which tends to make the bladder dome up (visible when you lie down on your back) - a sonographer pointed this out to me.  Sorry, can't remember what's gone before in this thread & no time to reread, but in case you don't know, a 3-day course of antibiotics may not be enough, so be prepared to go back to your GP if you have any doubts.  Hope you feel much better soon.

Urogynaecologist  told .e that 3 day courses of AB's were pointless. We should always get 7 day ones if we need them. She has given me 2 rescue courses to use if needed.

[Wrensong]

I always have a 7-day course in reserve as well, after recommendation many years ago from a Uro-Gynae.  Makes sense if prone to UTIs & is reassuring to know you can start them without delay if unmistakeable symptoms come on.  Strong history of renal disease in my family, so not something I want to muck about with & maybe the reason medics are happy to continue to authorise my standby script.

[suzysunday]

I asked my gp recently for an emergency supply of trimethoprim but I didn't get them because I haven't had enough bouts of cystitis.  I am seriously thinking of buying on line.  Looked at Superdrug site and they don't issue trimethoprim anymore for cystitis as they said it isn't effective, but it's been ok for me. Instead they issue the awful nitrofurantain .

[CLKD]

DO NOT USE ABs unless a sample has been sent to a Lab because using the incorrect medication encourages bugs to take hold.  Get appropriate treatment for vaginal atrophy, it may be that you need to use more than is generally suggested in order to keep the vagina healthy.

ABs should never be used occasionally as they don't do any more than what an over-the-counter pain relief will do.  Other than affecting every one of us World Wide when ABs become in-effectual.  Do you want to be the one with a serious condition where ABs could save your Life but won't due to over-use ..........

If you have repeated urine infections or are apparently 'prone' to infections then the GP should refer you to the appropriate Consultant.  Also, infections are commonly caused by bad toilet hygiene.  The bugs usually live in the back passage and are transferred to a totally different environment in the vagina where they take hold.  Thrush lives in the back passage too.

VA does mimic urine infection-type symptoms and ABs do help but they should never be used 'as required'.  Have a look-see at the threads regarding vaginas and bladders here for advice.  Make notes  .  Maybe go back to your GP and ask for appropriate referral knowing how long waiting lists are in the UK.

It worries me that even Consultants will suggest reserve supply of ABs  .  There is always a reason for infection which the Consultant should investigate!

[Katejo]

I always have a 7-day course in reserve as well, after recommendation many years ago from a Uro-Gynae.  Makes sense if prone to UTIs & is reassuring to know you can start them without delay if unmistakeable symptoms come on.  Strong history of renal disease in my family, so not something I want to muck about with & maybe the reason medics are happy to continue to authorise my standby script.

I currently have 2 standby courses for emergency . It removes the stress from it because I don't have the anxiety of not being able to get a GP appointment. I have some symptoms now but I am going to use Nurofen or bicarb of soda dissolved in water first plus an extra Vagifem to see if that clears it. I get symptoms just before I am due too go on holiday when there isn't time to get a GP appt. and get a sample sent away/get the result. Also th Uro-gynae has told me that the test results are very unreliable anyway.
I prefer Trimethroprim. It usually does the job for me.

[suzysunday]

I wanted some in hand because I definitely know when I have cystitis as opposed to uti symptoms from atrophy.  Cystitis is agony, usually with blood and I can't cope with taking a sample to my gp in a taxi, I have no car, then waiting for ages for a prescription in agony, either at the surgery or coming home and another taxi for medication.  I am scrupulous about personal hygiene before and after sex, but with VA I have been prone to cystitis.

[Bluey]

Im 50 and this is my first post. GP suggested started Vagifem 14 days ago after recurrent UTIs. But didn't test I have VA she just assumed. Still have periods 28-34 days but they only last 2-3 days. Lighter and mainly dark brown gunk. Felt weird inserting VF during period. Don't like the plastic tube up there. TBH I feel like I'm getting another UTI only had one 3 weeks ago. Got the shivers, burning feeling and urgency. So sick of this viscous cycle. Tried everything for UTI, diet, yoga, meditation, no caffeine, ruled out some sexual positions, organic toiletries and san towels, herbal remedies.....aaaaargh! I've either got UTI or pmt or fatigue or low mood or insomnia waking at 4am or weepy or some drama!!!!! Totally interfering with work and family life. Not sure there's answersjust need to feel like I'm not alone. But if you have any other suggestions please post! I'm in bed hot water bottle drinking tons and really don't want another antibiotic. Sometimes resting up and keeping warm and drinking and cranberry and probiotic nip it in the bud.......

[CLKD]

If you are getting symptoms prior to a holiday Katejo then it's stress-related.  Do you drink enough prior to a holiday?  For me it's my guts that play up  : tight knot, need to pee more, nausea.  Do you feel like you need to open your bowels more due to anxiety/excitement?  I've long forgotten what excitement feels like 

As for cystitis, it was known as 'honeymoon complaint' due to un-famliar friction in that area.  Soreness, redness, not able to bear clothing ...... I have a theory for which I may get shouted down so ducking in preparation: ditch the tong 

Does the bicarb help, it's something my paternal Gran swore by! but I have to say when poorly I can't face it. 

Welcome Bluey -  has your urine been sent to a lab for testing?  VA isn't 'tested' for but a quick exam is often useful.  However, have a look-see yourself ? ;-).  Appropriate treatment really does ease symptoms - do read our vaginal atrophy threads as well as those relating to bladder issues.