Vagirux

I’ve been using Vagirux pessaries for a while, as I used to get lots of UTIs. They have helped with that - haven’t had a UTI for a year. But I do frequently have a very bloated tummy.

I was prescribed Estradiol just before Christmas, it seems I have a band of hard scar tissue following prolapse repair surgery 9 years ago. I went to the GP as I was experiencing pain that felt like tight stitches pulling. I used the pessaries for 9 days then had to stop as I was getting unbearable pain in both lower legs. Waiting to consult GP again when they reopen. Anyone else experienced this? Angie, 62, hysterectomy 10 years ago for prolapse, never any menopause symptoms so first use of hrt x

This has been really interesting reading for me. I was given a pill to insert a few years ago which worked well, but my friend at work inadvertently put me off it when she told me her mum had died from cancer believed to be caused by taking hormones after menopause. I am at the uncomfortable stage that I would try something again and will look into those mentioned as they look promising. I was told by the doctor that Premarin may help but I had read how it was made, so could not bear to use it.

I have been prescribed Premarin and Cranberry-Mannose,appears to work so far———-apparently as we get older as our bladder & vagina are close together and the skin is thinning germs etc can interact,so my Doctor told me,good luck.

There is a school of (medical) thought which says that ALL elderly women who aren't on general HRT should be using topical hormonal treatment for vaginal atrophy. UTIs kill; they were the ultimate cause of death of both my first husband and my father. Treating vaginal atrophy (which I didn't even know I had until my last smear test) does help to stop them.

I find it strange that you found the Vagifem applicators uncomfortable - they're very slim. Could you perhaps have got the wrong angle?

Preferred Vagifem as single applicator, now have to fiddle inserting it into top of applicator. That said it's OK but still get UTIs, guessing due to roo much sex 🤣

I posted above to say that I successfully used Estradiol cream. I think it is the same as Vagifem. Just to say that previously I had been using it in the pill form and then the female GP changed me to the cream saying it was better and that as well as inserting it I could spread a little around the outside. I never looked back.
As GOD mentioned the pills are fiddly and so no more chasing them around the floor.

I don't like the white applicator, but still have a lot of the blue ones from before, (well washed and saved in case I could think of a use for them.) The tablet fits better and more securely in the blue one and I use the white ones to mark where I have planted crocuses.

I've been using Ovestin for many years now following loads of UTIs. It works for me. I did have a post meno bleed which was scary but the gynaecologist inserted a Mirena coil for five years. When I had it removed he suggested continuing the Ovestin on a three month on/three month off basis which seems to keep the itching, dryness and UTIs at bay thank goodness.

I suffered constant UTIs and Kidney infections for years. A trainee GP suggested HRT which surprised me as I thought I didn’t have any menopause symptoms. He explained about UTIs being one of the symptoms so I agreed to try the lowest dose available. It has completely changed my life. No UTIs or bladder pain since starting HRT 6 years ago. I have regular check ups and have been told I can continue as long as I need to providing there are no issues. Far better than lifelong antibiotics which was the other option.

I have used Vagifem twice a week for ten years since my ring pessary was fitted. No side effects at all and now NO UTI’s!

My late mother suffered dreadfully from UTIs so I got her onto D-Mannose. It worked so well that the GP authorised the chemist to put them, supplied privately by me, into her daily pill packet (can’t remember the proper name!). The only time she had a UTI after that was when she had to spend any time in hospital and they refused to give them to her. I’ve no idea if she had any of the itching under discussion.

I’ve had recurrent UTIs since adolescence and chronic UTIs are poorly understood with multiple causes other than E. coli infection.

I’ve had endless investigations, tried lots of treatments including different antibiotics without permanent relief. I am not alone.

Of course older women are more prone to UTIs because of a decrease in oestrogen, which has made things a whole lot worse for me.

I use vagifem which does help and only take AB for very bad attacks.

The urine is not sterile (as I was originally taught) and has a whole microbiome of its own. I find a website “liveutifree.com which promotes research, very helpful and supportive.

I've just started on Vagifem after months of UTI's, itching etc Already a HUGE improvement and (though it may be a coincidence) my arthritic knee seems less achy too!

I wish it turned me into a sex fiend. Sadly, no improvement on that front 🤷‍♀️

I have suffered with UTI’s for two years - tried every antibiotic, vagifem etc - nothing worked. Most UTI’s are caused by E.coli. Signed up for a vaccination trial in October and haven’t had one since - fantastic. 50% get the placebo but all I can assume is that I was one of the lucky ones. Also take D-Mannose tablets every day. My life has changed. I do believe you can get E.coli vaccine privately so when my dose runs out I will follow that up. Not on NHS yet. No side effects at all - apart from a moustache haha!!

I suffered many bouts of UTI for which the GP had me on endless courses of antibiotic. Then reading about UTI I found articles about Hiprex. The problem was that it was very expensive on the NHS and doctors did not know about it. I still take it twice a day with no side effects and even now in the hot ,humid climate I do not get UTIs. I buy it privately from a big warehouse Chemist supplier in Australia by Royal Mail when in UK but currently my son buys it over the counter in Australia where it is readily available and much cheaper than in UK. Here is a You Tube link to an interview in 2 parts with a UK doctor which explains about Hiprex. I have taken it for about 8 years now with no side effects on my surviving kidney or my advanced heart failure and I feel fine.

youtu.be/T_8uBA1m80w?si=XbsNVSyOCcZ7jt4j

All very well to try Mist pot cit if you are fit and healthy, when it may nip a UTI in the bud, but it should not be taken for more than two days and never if you have heart problems or poor kidney function.

This subject was covered on woman’s hour on Wednesday of this week. It was an interesting listen, the prescription of oestrogen is proven to help stop continuous UTIs. I’d take it if I needed to.

I take Vagifem for the dreaded itch and soreness. I had a UTI last month for the first time in decades. I dealt with it successfully by drinking copious amounts of Cranberry Juice. Apparently, an enzyme in it coats the urinary tract and fights the bacteria.

Women’s Hour 27 Dec 2023. bbc sounds discussed this topic UTI!s worth a listen

My friend has continuous UTIs and was given a scan, it shows it is due to an infection which remains in her bladder after treatment, as she is not emptying properly. She feels like she is and tries hard to finish properly but they said there is still a good amount of Urine left when she feels empty

I have been using vagifem which must similar. I only have to use it for 2 weeks prior to a cervical smear test, as, since going through the menopause I find the procedure extremely uncomfortable. Not too keen on the applicator but if it helps on the day, great! Also had some pelvic cramps but nothing serious.

Have been on these for many years now. Vagifem was originally started at twice a day, then slowly reduced to twice a week. The a couple of years ago this changed to Varifex and yes it does make for less waste and therefore less cost for NHS. It has not turned me into any sort of sex fiend, but definitely has helped to protect me against those horrible UTI's

It take me seconds to use one, not at all fiddly, except for occasionally chasing the dropped 'pill' across the bathroom floor!!!!

It only takes a few seconds and is such a good protector against many bladder issues later. I to was switched from Vagifem to Vagirux, both the same effect but found the Vagifem
less fiddly.