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[Kazer1]

Symptoms of VA include recurring UTIs yet I’ve heard some say if the UTI comes back as positive for infection it’s not VA  related as VA can mimic a UTI but it says on a list of symptoms that one of the symptoms is UTIs ? I’m confused hope this makes sense

[CLKD]

Join The Confused Club 

Vaginal atrophy mimics repeated urine infectinon-type symptoms really really well.  If a lady has a lot of 'UTIs' then a urine sample should be sent to a Lab to 'grow' a bug.  If necessary appropriate ABs can be prescribed, 3 days isn't enough.  These will relieve symptoms of VA but won't replace the oestrogen lost which is mainly the cause of atrophy.

If U have symptoms of dryness then ask your GP for appropriate VA treatment, the idea being to insert into the vagina every night for at least 2. weeks.  Let us know how you get on.

[Kazer1]

Hi CLKD,
Thank you for your reply I understand that VA can mimic UTIs so that means a urine test should come back as negative? But if it’s positive is it still VA related? The last UTI dr said it was positive and I was given the right antibiotics 7 days worth, this time it’s come back positive again and been given more antibiotics to pick up tomorrow, it was last Monday I got the burning feeling of UTI then it stopped then has now started again I haven’t took antibiotics until I pick them up tomorrow, been using d’ mannose sachets 1 daily dr started me on Estriol last Monday so early days .

[Ayesha]

This document explains the science of it all and how closely related and confusing the symptoms can become.
There are conditions of the bladder and it can't always be explained away by it being VA (GSM) alone but most times it is, hence the need to keep up with the oestrogen and hope it eventually works.

https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf

[Kazer1]

Thank you Ayesha ,
I’ve just read it it all seems to  be VA , may need to give the Estriol time to work I’ve only started it 6 days ago I’m going to get some YES vm hopefully that may help too

[CLKD]

Let us know how you get on.  If the urine test is positive you need to know which 'bug' has grown and that appropriate ABs have been prescribed. 

Do use the VA treatment !

[Kazer1]

Will do CLKD,
I took sample in Monday just gone didn’t get results until Friday, picking antibiotics up tomorrow as I was in work so couldn’t pick up Friday, but this UTI hasn’t been that bad just getting flare ups of stinging/burning now & then, not sure if the estriol has made a difference from it getting worse my sample was sent to the lab

[CLKD]

Do ask and let us know which 'bug' it is.

[Kazer1]

Hi CLKD ,
Dr said the big grown was E - coli the most common one she said I’m sensitive to crimethprim not sure if I’ve spelt that right

[Kazer1]

Dr also said I should have bloods done as having recurring UTis maybe Diabetes she said she’s not suggesting it’s diabetes but wants me to have bloods done

[CLKD]

What does she suggest to treat e-Coli?

I would have thought a finger pin prick would tell re diabetes, good that she had ordered tests.  Mine shot up 14 months ago and freaked out the Nurse  but I take statins which can raise sugar levels.

[Kazer1]

Hi CLKD ,
She has given me nitrofurantoin 7 days worth again, she wants me have a health check hence the bloods done , she said at my age things start to go wrong 🤷‍♀️now I’m terrified to have blood done I case I have something sinister

[CLKD]

Yep.  Old age doesn't arrive on its own  .  What is the worst that could happen?

What is her suggestion if the 'infection' continues even with AB treatment?

Reading NHS advice: Does E. coli go away on its own?
E. coli usually goes away on its own. You usually don't need antibiotics. Do not use over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine if you have diarrhea.

"E. coli in Urine"

An urge to pee with only a few drops coming out.
Burning sensation when passing urine.
Aching feeling or pain in your belly.
Urine that's cloudy, blood-tinged, or has a strong smell.

[Kazer1]

Your right it doesn’t, I appreciate what your saying CLKD but for someone like me who suffers from health anxiety and over thinks everything it’s a nightmare, hate being this way, I asked if it continues she said more antibiotics I said could I not have a low dose long term AB she said no nice guidelines suggesting not , she said long term can disrupt good bacteria as well as getting rib of bad bacteria

[CLKD]

Some Consultants recommend low-dose long-term ABs in the elderly probably due to not recognising the symptoms of vaginal atrophy.

How often are you needing to P ?  When I had the beginnings of AB I sat on the loo, cup of tea in one hand and barley water in the other, it was the 1 place that I could relax without the feelings of needing to 'go'.  Once the ABs kicked in those symptoms went.  I had intermittent symptoms for a few years B4 my GP prescribed ovestin/estriol.

It's good that your GP is going through all the possibilities, once ruled out as I am sure that they will B, she and you can discuss on-going treatment for vaginal atrophy.  I find that when symptoms niggle more than is comfy, using estriol in the morning and evening for 3 days then every night for 2-3 weeks eases symptoms.