UTI

I had a spell of constant UTIs, with no apparent reason for them. After several course of antibiotics, which to be fair, always cleared the infection, my lovely GP sent me to a Urogynaecologist. I was diagnosed with vaginal atrophy, She prescribed me some topical HRT gel, to be applied internally twice a week and I’ve never looked back.

Same here. Prescribed Ovestin, which had been an absolute game changer. However Ovestin not easy to get now so changed to Blissel. Just as good.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, as it's now known, is very common in women after menopause and can increase the risk for urinary tract infections. People over 65 also don't always show typical UTI symptoms - they can present with issues such as confusion, for example.

For now, given this is your first UTI, it may be best to just take the antibiotics and then go from there. If it becomes a recurring issue, you may want to speak to your doctor about prevention. One thing is for sure - ensuring that you're drinking enough fluids and using the loo frequently will help to flush out your bladder.

If it becomes a recurring issue, you may also want to ask about checking for diabetes. High blood sugar causes sugar to spill into urine, and this can encourage bacterial growth.

I take daily hiprex ...not had a uti since

When I had a series of UTIs and kidney infections needed 16 courses of antibiotics. Nurse gave me a very good tip. When sitting on the loo make sure your hips and knees are in line that way you empty your bladder and bowel completely. Also sit for a few more minutes after a wee as you will find a bit more comes out. I have an ease toilet which is higher than a normal toilet so I have a toddler step to put my feet on. Saw an Urologist and had ultrasound on my bladder and kidneys full and empty everything was fine . Had an internal and he concluded I just had a bad infection that took long time to go. Unfortunately only 2 antibiotics work on me and only a blood test shows if I have an infection as dip tests don't work for me. But I have brilliant GPs and when I phone up and say I have one they just give me the antibiotics. Hadn't had one for 2 years until last month when I had to go too A&E for another reason and woke up with one but no problem getting the antibiotics.

I went through a stage of getting a lot of UTIs. I didn't get the pain on weeing but needed to wee a lot and was very uncomfortable down there. I'm now on twice weekly oestrogen pessaries and I take a supplement, D-Mannose daily.
I've not had a UTI for over 5 years now si it's working.

Many post-menopausal women will develop vaginal atrophy, especially if they have had a full hysterectomy. When I developed symptoms of a UTI, my GP practice receptionist said that the doctor will only prescribe antibiotics if the urine dip confirmed a UTI. I had to stand my ground and politely inform her that this was not always the case. Women with vaginal atrophy can have false negative urine results, diagnosis should be made having taken into account the presenting symptoms. We should never underestimate the dangers of urinary tract infections which when not treated appropriately can lead to significant complications and sepsis.

Lots of wise advice here. Dip tests are very unreliable indicators, and short course of antibiotics are not always the answer. I have a friend who finds that the estradiol pessaries have been very successful in preventing UTIs. There are currently clinical trials underway to test D Manoose, but it seems worth a try if you can tolerate it (unfortunately I can’t, it gives me diarrhea). I will post a link to a useful article I came across recently for anyone who is suffering from repeated UTIs.

useful advice for anyone suffering from chronic UTI, as opposed to the acute version described in the OP.

cutic.co.uk/what-is-chronic-uti/

I had a series of infections too, but had more typical symptoms. I had just moved to a temporary "between houses" home during lock-down and didn't have a permanent GP - local doctors were not willing to see me despite my symptoms. Fortunately I spoke to a very good oncall doctor via 111 and he sent a prescription to the local pharmacy. After several recurrances following short courses of antibiotics I was eventually given a different medication which sorted me out.

Have suffered for a few years with urine infections, had 6 x courses of antibiotics last year. Finally got to see my GP who specializes in Women's Health. Was using Blissel twice a week for months, now increased to 3 times a week, such a difference, still have frequency but I think that's just a fear of not being able to find a toilet when I'm desperate to go. It was ruling my life, I was afraid to go on days out just in case symptoms started but I'm getting there now. Another reason I think my bladder has been affected is, I never used to sit on the toilet when out, I've always stood over the toilet to pass urine & now I've read that this is the worse thing to do as your bladder does not empty properly . So I'm getting there now. Also diagnosed with vaginal atrophy, so Blissel is helping with this issue. All the best ladies, so glad for Gransnet, so good to have a chat.

I have always done the stand up thing was taught this at a very young age. I was also born with mild spina bifida. A fact I did not find out till I was in my early 50s. We were a economic migrant family my dad came to England in May 1960, became a bus conductor, rented a house we joined him in December 1960 my medical record got lost??

Thank you Lahlah65 for the link. I've made a note of it for the next time I see a doctor. The explanation fits exactly the symptoms that I have. I'm always fobbed off with courses of antibiotics which work in the short term, but the UTI inevitably returns sooner or later.

Just make sure you tell the Dr you Don't get burning / pain on urination when you have a UTI. You will start to recognise the symptoms you do get, before it gets that bad next time.(if there is one) I never get the stingy symptoms either so not everyone does.

Only one antibiotic tends to work for me (pivmecillinam) which tends to only be prescribed in France - I don’t know why…. although I remember there was an article in the Daily Wail last year about it hopefully becoming more available here in the UK.
The pessaries for vaginal atrophy work quite well, but they ar3 quite a low dose. An alternative, if they don’t work sufficiently well, is the eString which is an insertable silicon ring providing around 7.5mg/daily as opposed to the pessaries which provide 10mg X 3 a week. The eString remains in place for three months so you can forget about it; ideal for anyone who travels a lot.

Kimski44 I have had Pivmecillinam prescribed for me on several occasions. The last time was about 6 weeks ago. Unfortunately, the uti returned so have had to change as I might have had it too often.

Last week I had a chat with a GP who specialises in women's health. She is pleased I have low dose HRT patches and thrice weekly vaginal Estriol (used to be Ovestin). Apparently, many gynaecologists say all post menopausal women should be considered for similar treatment for the protection it affords against, among other conditions, UTI's.

Don’t underestimate one of the other symptoms of UTIs - confusion. I really alarmed my family nearly two years ago and my UTI was only mild, cleared by a short course of antibiotics. The confusion was very short term but frightening for everyone.

Last weekend I had a UTI. Also had never had one before. It was a Friday p.m. when it started, and there was no doctor's surgery open until Monday morning. I had some initial incontinence (frightening!!), and lots of pain on passing water! I rang 111, and they told me to get to an Urgent Treatment Centre. All of them were a few miles away. I live alone and have no local children. I felt too embarrassed to ask any friends to take me there - also I feared they might be hanging around waiting for me in Urgent Treatment for ages - so wanted to spare them that. So I took paracetamol and drove myself there (If no car, I would have taken a taxi) . I saw a lady doctor, and was dealt with quickly and sympathetically. I gave a sample, and once it was tested I was given anti-biotics. Unfortunately, my anti-biotics have now stopped and a week later I am still uncomfortable in that area!! (But is is nowhere as bad as it was.)
Can anyone out there reassure me that it should soon clear up? Perhaps the healing doesn't happen immediately the anti-biotics stop?

Renata1079

Last weekend I had a UTI. Also had never had one before. It was a Friday p.m. when it started, and there was no doctor's surgery open until Monday morning. I had some initial incontinence (frightening!!), and lots of pain on passing water! I rang 111, and they told me to get to an Urgent Treatment Centre. All of them were a few miles away. I live alone and have no local children. I felt too embarrassed to ask any friends to take me there - also I feared they might be hanging around waiting for me in Urgent Treatment for ages - so wanted to spare them that. So I took paracetamol and drove myself there (If no car, I would have taken a taxi) . I saw a lady doctor, and was dealt with quickly and sympathetically. I gave a sample, and once it was tested I was given anti-biotics. Unfortunately, my anti-biotics have now stopped and a week later I am still uncomfortable in that area!! (But is is nowhere as bad as it was.)
Can anyone out there reassure me that it should soon clear up? Perhaps the healing doesn't happen immediately the anti-biotics stop?

Go back, or phone and request a further dose. UTIs can be dangerous. I had had kidney stones for a couple of years periodically… usually I would get severe pain, burning etc, take paracetamol, or if really bad co-codamol and go to bed…the ‘stone’ usually passed in a day or two. One occasion I went to bed as usual but ended up passing out and became unconscious… not found for 3 days/ nights… lucky to be alive!
It turned out to be a UTI … I was in hospital for 4 weeks, and as they had put a stent in ( kidneys to bladder) When out I had recurring UTIs regularly every couple of weeks on average ( despite keeping clean etc, etc, ) and took antibiotics on and off for around 18 months until they took the stent out! In hospital I suffered confusion, etc, etc… so beware, UTIs are not cistisis… take care and get another dose of antibiotics to clear the remaining symptoms up NOW.

I also have vaginal atrophy - diagnosed by a male GP after symptoms of a UTI whilst on holiday.
Mannose used to be good for symptoms of a UTI
Some people have chronic cystitis
Unfortunately many Drs will prescribe a 7 day course of antibiotics which will not clear up your illness. You need super duper antibiotics over 3 days . but only if it is a UTI
it could be another illness . You need further exploration to determine the cause
I'm concerned about the arms hurting - not usual with a UTI - was your heart checked ?

I have been plagued with these torments. At the moment waiting for 111 doctor to ring. It is 10.30pm. Was told to expect a call at about 7.10. Had a 3 day dose of Nitrofurantoin 100mg on Tuesday. Had it years ago and it knocked me flat - so ill. However, last time I had no ill effects. Even had three more days added as I still didn’t fee right. After that it appeared to clear up. Roll on a few weeks so back again with sample and yes I have an infection. Three more days of feeling so very ill. Hoped 3 days was it as it left me like a jelly. Now the day after(today) thought would drink a lot, took Cystopurin to help urine but just gradually got worse by about 5.30pm. Got through to the doctor’s surgery just as closing. Explained I just wanted more antibiotics and she tried to catch the doctor but rang me back. Said to ring 111 and they could issue a prescription. So did this and a nice man answered and took a lot of notes. Roll on until nearly 11oclock when door bell rings. There stands a doctor holding a great big box of medication.Also other equipment. Had results from the lab. Told me what I should be on Penicilliam as shown as “sensitive” to my bugs. He was delighted when I waved a box of those and said I wanted to ask if it was alright to take them as due to mistake in the pharmacy I had been given a double prescription together with other things. He told me to keep a hold of them and took other things back. That was in 2023 and they were only just out of date today. Had never taken anything without consulting doctor so there they were still at the back of the drawer.

Ps Don’t tell me the NHS is broken. What a service👏🏻. Told my daughter and she said I must have been visited by God or an Angel.

Similar to many of you.. I’ve had recurrent UTI’s since last November.. had a few courses of Trimethoprim…long story short my doctor has now prescribed Estriol 1mg cream.. on reading the leaflet it says not to use if have Asthma or use steroids..I do have asthma (allergy related) and use a Clenil inhaler.. also not to use if have had fibroids.. which I had …resulting in a full hysterectomy…so I’m bothered about using the Estriol 🤦🏻‍♀️