Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Postmenopause => Topic started by: Molly Malone on August 04, 2024, 06:18:36 PM

Title: Bits 'n' Bobs!
Post by: Molly Malone on August 04, 2024, 06:18:36 PM

Can you get more UTIs with vaginal atrophy and post-meno? (I'm 62 and on Estradiol) Also, what wld be a good external, soothing cream for the vulval area (I've heard Kegel8 Miracle balm is good) TIA!!

Title: Re: Bits 'n' Bobs!
Post by: CLKD on August 04, 2024, 06:24:02 PM

Hi.  Many GPs will treat VA symptoms with antibiotics without realising that Vaginal Atrophy mimics repeat urine infection-type symptoms.  The 1st P of the day may well be dark and smelly, as we hydrate during the day urine should be straw coloured.

The best way to diagnosis if an infection is present is to send a sample to a Lab to see whether it 'grows' a bug.  If not ABs are not required but VA treatment would help ease symptoms. 

We can get 'gina' over the counter after a certain age; GPs will prescribe 'vagifem' which is I believe delivered via a pessary; 'ovestin'/estriol is another good treatment.  The idea is to insert into the vagina for 2-3 weeks every night then reduce to a maintenance level.  Some ladies require nightly insertion, some also find that a moisturiser along with VA treatment helps.  I use either KY Jelly or a smear of 'ovestin' on the outer labia.

Sylc
Yes

Also have good reviews here.  It's a bit Trial and Error  ::)

Title: Re: Bits 'n' Bobs!
Post by: Ayesha on August 04, 2024, 07:14:36 PM

The answer to your first question is a definite yes.
You might need two treatments as one sometimes is not enough if you are still experiencing GSM (VA) symptoms. For instance I use Vagifem pessary and Estriol cream smeared on the outside including Yes moisturiser every day.

Title: Re: Bits 'n' Bobs!
Post by: Molly Malone on August 04, 2024, 11:44:54 PM

THANKS! I am on estradiol but was told the HRT cream is not available at the moment? Could I use both? (both have hormones in them?)
Also, does the Post Meno time often increase indigestion and heartburn?

Title: Re: Bits 'n' Bobs!
Post by: Jules on August 05, 2024, 07:56:27 AM

The estriol cream? I've just been given two tubes so that's definitely available

Title: Re: Bits 'n' Bobs!
Post by: CLKD on August 05, 2024, 07:57:59 AM

Morning.  Who suggested that estriol isn't available? 

Title: Re: Bits 'n' Bobs!
Post by: Ayesha on August 05, 2024, 10:15:37 AM

Quote from: Molly Malone on August 04, 2024, 11:44:54 PM

THANKS! I am on estradiol but was told the HRT cream is not available at the moment? Could I use both? (both have hormones in them?)
Also, does the Post Meno time often increase indigestion and heartburn?

This thread should ease your mind about using GSM/VA treatments.
https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,69936.msg949995.html#msg949995

And its another definite yes to your question, its all part and parcel of the aging process.