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[Jules]

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.

[Flossieteacake]

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.

[Jules]

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.

[Flossieteacake]

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.

[CLKD]

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?

[SundayGirl]

I keep saying that I'm coming back as a bloke!

[Jules]

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.

[CLKD]

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. 

[Jules]

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.

[Ayesha]

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.

[Jules]

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.

[Ayesha]

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. 

[CLKD]

Continue with the 'vagifem', might I suggest every night for 7?  To plump up the whole vulval area which should lessen the need2P feelings.

[Flossieteacake]

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

[Jules]

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?