Hi, greenECLECtus28.
To take the liberty of first answering your question addressed to CLKD, VA would not, on it's own, necessarily present positive results on a dipstick, but only if you have a UTI as well.
You are right about the loss of oestrogen affecting the lining of the vagina. Lack of oestrogen can result in the vaginal environment becoming too alkaline, leading to an imbalance in the type of bacteria present, and that in turn can lead to problems such as candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis. Therefore, replacing the lost oestrogen helps to prevent these conditions. Vaginal oestrogen is thought to protect the whole genitourinary area, as some of it can pass to the bladder and urethra as well. As there are oestrogen receptors in the bladder, especially the trigone area, it should help to keep the whole area healthy. HRT can also help, as well as being good for health generally.
On the question of embedded UTIs, you have got the right idea. As I understand it, the bacteria change in form and become embedded in the bladder wall, only to burst forth and multiply at a later date. You do seem to have the symptoms of embedded UTI if the infection recurs a month after stopping the ABs.
The treatment at 10 Harley Street is long-term antibiotic therapy with narrow spectrum ABs, plus Hiprex. I took ABs for about a year, although it takes some folk longer than that, and am still taking Hiprex and being monitored at Harley St.
There is also a book on embedded UTI by James Malone Lee, called Cystitis Unmasked. It came out last year.
I am sure you will find the members on the FB group helpful, knowledgeable and encouraging. There is also one for Vaginal Atrophy, which was started by a member of this forum. It's worth joining that too!
Let us know how you get on, and what you decide to do.
With every good wish,
JP x
