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[Mavis]

Hello lovely people,

I have been on Vagifen for just over a year now and it has helped with the UTIs. I was getting a lot (and taking lots of antibiotics). I am wondering whether it is time to increase the twice weekly dose as for the last week or more I have had urinary issues. G.P has put me on antibiotics but I remember the symptoms well and it reminds me of the pre-Vagifem days. How long should I increase the dose for and when I decrease afterwards will the symptons return?

[Dierdre]

You could do a reload.  Twice a week is the minimum maintenance dose and you may now need more. Use everynight for  two weeks then reduce to the twice a week. If that works then fine, if not you probably need more than two a week.
UTIs mimic GSM, have you tested positive  for UTI's before you were prescribed antibiotics?

[bombsh3ll]

You can use it every day, for life.

Even those who believe incorrectly that estrogen is dangerous can be reassured by the absolutely minuscule doses in vaginal treatment, and lack of meaningful systemic absorption.

However I would also get your GP to examine you to check for other problems such as prolapse (if not already done), avoid constipation and hand in a urine sample to exclude infection because sometimes it actually is one.

[Mavis]

Thank you for your reply.
I test positive for blood in urine most of the time. When GP sends urine test off to the Lab it usually comes back negative for infection. This time it showed pus cells. I am taking the antibiotics as prescribed.
I will take your advice and use Vagifem for the two weeks..hoping my GP issues another prescription for them as I am running low and not due until June for another prescription.
I wish the GPs would 'listen' to what we tell them. They just seem to want to push you out of the room within the 10 mins we are allowed. So they never really know the extent of what we are suffering.Thank goodness for this wonderful and very supportive group.x

[CLKD]

Morning Mavis.  twice a week isn't enough for most of us.

Was the urine sample blood coloured or was it a dip stick test?  Hopefully U have been given 7 days ABs: which one? and that they work.  In the meantime get a dose of VA treatment inserted now and start a 2-3 weeks nightly treatment.



When I have niggling symptoms I swallow 2 Nurofen, which eases that nip as the urine flow shuts off.

[Mavis]

The blood is NEVER seen..only when dip-stick read. I have been given Nitrofuratoin 100mg twice daily. So very sore inside. Started using the Estriol cream aswell to see if it will help with the burning. Tiny prolapse but GP said nothing to worry about. I wore pessary rings for two years to help with 'urine infections'. But now I realise that all the time it has been post menopausal symptoms!

[Ayesha]

Knowledge is power here, if you haven't already seen this link I would urge you to read up on the document.
https://bssm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/GSM-BSSM.pdf

My GP and Practise Nurse agree entirely with me that I need both Vagifem and Estriol cream daily. Because of this document I was able to have a knowledgeable conversation with them regarding my symptoms, it will put you in the driving seat when discussing GSM and your own particular symptoms which will be unique to you.

[CLKD]

Do B aware that this particular AD may turn your urine a 'funny' colour, nowt to worry about.

Let us know how you get on.

[Mavis]

Many thanks for the link which I am about to read. And thank you all for your help and support.X