Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Jules on July 12, 2023, 06:13:26 PM
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Excuse the long ramble. Ive commented on this subject on other people's related posts. I have a history of UTIs. First one ever in 2016 undiagnosed by a useless GP who told me I was fit to travel. I ended up in hospital in New York. Following that I had a urine test on return and they found blood traces so I was referred for a cystoscopy. All clear and I was told to mention the invisible blood if I ever had future urine tests. I didnt have anymore until I became sexually active again. Each time I had sex, I had a UTI. I saw a specialist gyny urology person and I was prescribed an AB to take once after sex. Ive always been given an emergency pack of ABs because of anxiety following my New York experience. More recently been using vagifem because my VA caused irritation after sex and very recently Ive been using Ovestin. These last two weeks Ive had a mild sensation of a UTI, once after sex, that cleared after a day. Today I started again with the sensation of needing the loo more frequently. The GPs always say I should take a sample in rather than use the ABs. I rarely do as I rarely get the symptoms but today I took one in. Left it with the receptionist who said the duty doc would test and phone me. I got a call from a lovely nurse, who had completely the wrong story. She thought Id requested ABs and said the doc had prescribed so I wasnt in pain but wanted me to take a sample in for the lab. I asked if she had found infection, she didnt know what I was talking about. She had no idea that Id taken a sample in, somebody had recorded a symptom of burning pain, Id never mentioned that. It was utterly exasperating. Not for the first time, I had to repeat my whole story of UTIs including the blood traces being normal, and VA. Of particular significance, she had never heard of VA. I had to explain it to her. To her credit, she was keen to know about it and was very sympathetic. But how concerning is it that she didnt know. I told her its probably because women dont like talking about it or seeing medics about it and that its common. She didnt seem to understand about vaginal estrogen as treatment. So they did a dip test which was negative, its gone to the lab and in the meantime Ive got ABs in case I feel I need them. We shouldnt have to do this though. Im going to try to make an appointment with one of the better GPs and discuss whether my current treatment is sufficient.
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So sorry Jules. You have been through hell and all because of ignorant GP's. I can understand the fear of being in terrible pain after what happened when you went to New York. You really should not have to keep explaining yourself and requesting treatment time and time again. No wonder you feel fed up. It really gets too much.
As to your VA flaring, I assume you are using Ovestin daily?
It is so pointless your practice even doing dip sticks now. They should just be sent to a lab immediately. It is just a waste of time.
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I've been using Ovestin for two weeks externally and only a bit. I don't know why I started using it. I was ok with vagifem. It's just that the doctor prescribed it. I don't know if that's contributed. I have the discomfort either side of my lower abdomen plus frequent loo visits. I've started wondering whether I've introduced bacteria by applying the stuff around that area. The same way bacteria is introduced to the bladder during sex. I wished I'd left things as they were.
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I've been using Ovestin for two weeks externally and only a bit. I don't know why I started using it. I was ok with vagifem. It's just that the doctor prescribed it. I don't know if that's contributed. I have the discomfort either side of my lower abdomen plus frequent loo visits. I've started wondering whether I've introduced bacteria by applying the stuff around that area. The same way bacteria is introduced to the bladder during sex. I wished I'd left things as they were.
Washing hands before and after applying Ovestin will prevent any bacteria from being introduced. If possible maybe you could request Vagifem again if you found that more helpful.
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U won't have introduced bacteria. The vagina cleanses itself, downwards.
The 'ovestin' may have aggravated your vulva area, stop using it for 5 nights to C how you feel. Keep on with the 'vagifem'.
At least the Nurse is keen to learn, buy her a copy of 'Me and My Menopausal Vagina'?
I too would be fed up - it seems that you are not listened to !! Something should be so simple: hand in sample, a Nurse/GP tests it and phones the patient. Too many people dealing with the 1 issue?
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I keep saying that I'm coming back as a bloke!
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I am still using vagifem. Re the bacteria, I meant into the uretha. And i do have UTI anxiety after the New York experience. And i would definitely come back as a bloke too. All this makes me feel like an old withering flower.
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Your flower may be withering ;-) but once you get symptoms under control you will feel a lot better.
I find that KY Jelly gently applied is soothing and stops any itchiness.
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I used an extra vagifem last night. The bladder urge is much less today. Might be coincidence. I'm wondering if any of you get checks after 12 months of using local estrogen. I've read it's advised. I had one the first round I used it as I had bleeding. Internal and ultrasound. That was 18 months ago.
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I've not had any advice about getting checked as I am sure its not necessary, as I mention often it can be bought over the counter, therefore very safe.
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I've not had any advice about getting checked as I am sure its not necessary, as I mention often it can be bought over the counter, therefore very safe.
Ok. I think all women should be offered a pelvic scan for screening.
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I would say that it would put even more pressure on an already overwhelmed NHS and as for me I wouldn't welcome it. Look at all the posts on here about health anxiety, yet another appointment to get us in a high state of angst waiting for the all clear. It's up to us as individuals to keep a check on our own health and report any changes.
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Continue with the 'vagifem', might I suggest every night for 7? To plump up the whole vulval area which should lessen the need2P feelings.
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You may find this thread helpful. Ayesha started it and it will teach you such a lot. :)
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,64837.msg895647.html#msg895647
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My symptoms are lower abdominal discomfort either side, mild feeling of needing the loo, just how it started in 2016 so am not risking and started my ABs. I've requested a review appointment with the doc. Regarding the scan, like all screening, it's optional. I know 3 women all who had late diagnosis because they assumed symptoms were IBS so I'd welcome it though you're right about anxiety, however undiagnosed disease costs the nhs more than screening i believe. With regards to meds being safe because they're over the counter, nothing is safe if it's not used as intended or in some cases for prolonged periods. Even paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin have risks. We just have to be sensible. I don't know what the guidance is for Gina?
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Keep us updated?
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I thought the vagifem dose for a whole year was equivalent to one standard dose of systemic hrt. Is vagifem dose high enough on its own then to need a yearly scan?? I didn't know that.
I do think routine pelvic screening would be good though, prevention better than cure and all that. They do in a lot of other countries.
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https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,64837.msg895647.html#msg895647
It would have been interesting if Primrose3 had continued to post about the two month regime suggested to her.
I don't know what the guidance is for Gina?
If you look it up it is every day for two weeks followed by twice a week.
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https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,64837.msg895647.html#msg895647
It would have been interesting if Primrose3 had continued to post about the two month regime suggested to her.
I don't know what the guidance is for Gina?
If you look it up it is every day for two weeks followed by twice a week.
Yes it would be. It is a shame she left.
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Pelvic screening is offered in many countries. Probably saves lives in the long run, especially for ladies who don't have menopause problems.
VA treatment: two-3 week nightly loading followed by every 3rd and 5/6th nights: unless 1 requires nightly applications or alternative nightly use. It is so individual and important to keep levels topped up for those who suffer on-going symptoms. i.e. need2P is often due to not enough 'ovestin' or 'vagifem'. I suspect that Gina would be the same ...... Dr Newson is trying to get the leaflets in the boxes updated. Gina is for ladies over 55 who haven't had a period for 12 months or more. [according to Boots website]
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Who is Dr Newsome. Emailing someone was mentioned on here but I don't know anything about that or how. I will see how the ABs go. If it is a UTI I don't know why I've got it, it's usually only sex related so it's worrying. Still, in the absence of decent GP support, this forum is a godsend if only to get it off your chest😊
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Maybe DR Currie is who somebody suggested you email. This is a link of how to contact her.
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/contact.php
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Newson Health:
What qualifications does Dr Louise Newson have?
Dr Newson studied medicine and pathology at The University of Manchester and graduated with First Class BSc (Hons) in Pathology in 1992 and MB ChB with Honours in 1994. After, Dr Newson pursued a career in hospital medicine, obtaining MRCP in 1998, before moving to specialise in General Practice and medical writing.
Along with Dr Currie Louise is trying to encourage the media and the medical community to become more aware of peri-menopause symptoms so that GPs etc can support sufferers.
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Okay thanks everyone. I feel a bit more comfortable. I'll not know proper till the lab result comes back. Just for info, my district nurse friend says the guidance has changed re dipping urine. They've been advised to stop. Too many false results.
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Interesting. Though dip-stick for protein in my case querying pre-diabetic as well as low kidney function, seems to be OK.
Any suspected urine infection samples should be sent to a Lab. etc., etc., etc.
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Interesting. Though dip-stick for protein in my case querying pre-diabetic as well as low kidney function, seems to be OK.
Any suspected urine infection samples should be sent to a Lab. etc., etc., etc.
Yes, for UTIs she means
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Tnx for the clarification.
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So now I have blood trace on the applicator after inserting the pessary. Given the discomfort I've had, should I be worried?
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So now I have blood trace on the applicator after inserting the pessary. Given the discomfort I've had, should I be worried?
This is probably because the vaginal lining has become fragile. You can coat the applicator with a vaginal moisturiser such as Yes or Sylk, or insert with a finger.
JP x
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So now I have blood trace on the applicator after inserting the pessary. Given the discomfort I've had, should I be worried?
This is probably because the vaginal lining has become fragile. You can coat the applicator with a vaginal moisturiser such as Yes or Sylk, or insert with a finger.
JP x
It shouldn't be after 10 months of estrogen, it should be better.
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So now I have blood trace on the applicator after inserting the pessary. Given the discomfort I've had, should I be worried?
This is probably because the vaginal lining has become fragile. You can coat the applicator with a vaginal moisturiser such as Yes or Sylk, or insert with a finger.
JP x
It shouldn't be after 10 months of estrogen, it should be better.
The doctor wants to see me this morning so I'm guessing I'll have to stop the estrogen and wait for ultrasound as happened last time
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Could you have caught the skin with the applicator? GP warned me against using the applicator for that reason so I am just using my finger.
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Could you have caught the skin with the applicator? GP warned me against using the applicator for that reason so I am just using my finger.
It didn't feel like I had. I've had bleeding before. I was told it can be a side effect of HRT. It put me off using it last time. I stopped for 9 months. I had to have an ultrasound. I suppose with the abdominal discomfort I have, it needs checking. The bladder urgency has improved since using ABs so either I had a UTI brewing or its coincidence
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I've had an exam. Everything looks OK. Been referred for ultrasound. Ive to go back if anymore bleeding. She was quite up to date about use of vaginal estrogen, told me to carry on. She described the changes she could see, nobody tells you about this. She said women will go about hot flushes etc but not about VA or their bits below.😊
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:great: :hapij: tnx for the update.
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I am so pleased the examination went well. You sound more reassured which is wonderful. :)
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She said women will go about hot flushes etc but not about VA or their bits below.😊
This comment backs up research I was reading and probably explains why so many GP’s don’t understand, some never even hearing of the condition, Vaginal Atrophy and it’s symptoms.
Too many women are putting up with this chronic condition because they say, I have to put up with it, I am too embarrassed, It’s down there, it’s my business.
I don’t know how women can in this day and age still have these thoughts and how do they cope with the symptoms.
When I first went to the GP and after having a good chat with him, he asked if I was a nurse because he thought me very knowledgeable about my body, I said no, just a long time experience of having a dodgy, annoying vagina, he smiled and told me to make an appointment to see the female gynae in the surgery, I did that and the rest is history, no more annoying, dodgy vagina problems anymore.
I honestly hope in the future some women will grow some balls and get help. This survey was worldwide, women being our own worst enemy here.
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I still have the dull aching either side low down, bit of back ache, the examination made it worse. She thinks its likely a UTI.
My insides are thinned even with vagifem. I'll feel better after the scan. I feel old and redundant after that description she gave of me.
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This too will pass and once treatment is underway which relieves your symptoms, U will being to feel better.
Time that every GP Surgery was issued with at least 1 copy of 'Me and My Menopausal Vagina' ??
Also Ayesha: I dread to think how many women may suffer in the ethnic communities :-\.
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She said women will go about hot flushes etc but not about VA or their bits below.😊
This comment backs up research I was reading and probably explains why so many GP’s don’t understand, some never even hearing of the condition, Vaginal Atrophy and it’s symptoms.
Too many women are putting up with this chronic condition because they say, I have to put up with it, I am too embarrassed, It’s down there, it’s my business.
I don’t know how women can in this day and age still have these thoughts and how do they cope with the symptoms.
When I first went to the GP and after having a good chat with him, he asked if I was a nurse because he thought me very knowledgeable about my body, I said no, just a long time experience of having a dodgy, annoying vagina, he smiled and told me to make an appointment to see the female gynae in the surgery, I did that and the rest is history, no more annoying, dodgy vagina problems anymore.
I honestly hope in the future some women will grow some balls and get help. This survey was worldwide, women being our own worst enemy here.
I think it needs more early education for women & more gp training. Things do seem to be heading that way though as more is talked or written about.
A consultant said to me that “maybe things are going that way” re va and at the time I had no idea what he was going on about.
It did make me angry that I had no prior idea that my vagina could potentially become vulnerable. It does need emphasising more.
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I wouldn't have had a clue either, into my 70's with no idea what the hell was going on down there and neither did anyone else in the surgery apart from the Gynae GP I eventually saw, she knew because she was suffering the same, and she was so much younger than me!
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Has anybody else had this type of pain? Tis a bit concerning not to mention unpleasant. I do feel now I'm going to cause more problems having any sort of sex life after hearing her talking about me. Why do men not get changes like this as they get older? It's bad enough addressing wrinkles on your face but I didn't know I'd need to sort the other end out.
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On the topic of women talking about it, I was having lunch last year with a multinational European group of friends. An Italian lady openly started talking about how much her vaginal estrogen had cost in the US. Her hubby is French. Nobody batted an eyelid.
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I think using Ovestin daily for a few months will make such a difference to your pain. VA is painful and to have sex before symptoms improve will make you feel sore.
Give yourself some time and I am sure you will see an improvement.
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On the topic of women talking about it, I was having lunch last year with a multinational European group of friends. An Italian lady openly started talking about how much her vaginal estrogen had cost in the US. Her hubby is French. Nobody batted an eyelid.
And yet I have read articles that in France the menopause doesn't exist, women get on with it!
I recall a member posting here who worked in France and when she mentioned symptoms to her work colleagues, they didn't know what she meant, hence the reason she looked for help here, If I have got this wrong I am happy to be corrected!
From what she said and after reading the articles, the journalist mentioned she had difficulty in finding women to talk about menopause in France.
It's certainly an interesting subject to learn about on how women around the world deal with the menopause and how much it's talked about.
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I think using Ovestin daily for a few months will make such a difference to your pain. VA is painful and to have sex before symptoms improve will make you feel sore.
Give yourself some time and I am sure you will see an improvement.
My pain is in my abdomen. Feels like over my ovaries or urinary tract. I don't usually have painful sex. This is something different I think.
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Update. Urine lab sample normal. Still got the lower pelvic discomfort, sensitivity in uretha opening but not needing the loo. I've had no more bleeding, sex is not painful and hasnt caused bleeding. I would imagine if there was anything gyny it would be uncomfortable. I'm a little worried, my cousin had ovarian cancer and thought she had IBS at furst. I hope the ultrasound isn't too long. I've increased the vagirux. I'm beginning to wonder if being celibate is the way forward as when I was sexually inactive for a few months I was fine, no bladder problems.
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Update. Urine lab sample normal. Still got the lower pelvic discomfort, sensitivity in uretha opening but not needing the loo. I've had no more bleeding, sex is not painful and hasnt caused bleeding. I would imagine if there was anything gyny it would be uncomfortable. I'm a little worried, my cousin had ovarian cancer and thought she had IBS at furst. I hope the ultrasound isn't too long. I've increased the vagirux. I'm beginning to wonder if being celibate is the way forward as when I was sexually inactive for a few months I was fine, no bladder problems.
I would suggest not having sex until your symptoms improve. Once you have been using the Vagirux daily your skin will have time to recover.
I can understand your concerns. I hope the results come back soon to put your mind at rest.