1. Community
  2. Women's health
  3. Genitourinary Prolapse

Lady bits!

Posted , 4 users are following.

Wardrobe_mistre
Wardrobe_mistre

I had a hysterectomy in 2005 ages 44 and became menopausal immediately. To be honest I didn’t really suffer any adverse effects for a long timebapart from hot flushes (no night sweats) which didn’t cause me any issues. Then in 2013 I started having what I thought were frequently bouts of cystitis and a burning sensation up my vagina. I had numerous antibiotics until one GP suggested I had vaginal atrophy and prescribed Ovestin. This seemed to do the trick and I was fine until late 2015 when I had another flare up of the urine symptoms. Lot s if antibiotics and eventually self help sorted me out.

Earlier this year my mother died suddenly and I was plunged into a very stressful time. At first I thought I was coping but then in the summer all these minor (reletively) illnesses started. Now I have a flare up of my cystitis/burning feeling etc. I’ve had one lot of antibiotics and upped my Ovestin use as directed by GP to no avail. It’s better for a few days and then wham back it comes. I’m up every two hours to pee. I’m feeling generally unwell and a bit down. I’ve had it again since Monday and been trying to self medicate but this evening ive given into the antibiotics. 

I have a minor prolapse too. But the GP seems to want me to see a urologist rather than a urogynaecologist, I think my weeing problems are due to the menopause and the prolapse and the atrophy. I’m seeing her again on November 7th and will insist on seeing a specialist- I will pay if I have to. 

My question is can someone suggest any remedies for me to try to avoid this flaring up? Has anyone successfully sorted out their burning vagina/overactive weeing problem?

Sorry for the long post 

Cathrine 

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • phyl_40063
    phyl_40063 Wardrobe_mistre

    Posted

    Hi,

    Lots of cranberry juice when it's really intense and drinking water at all times. I constantly carry bottle of water.

    Cut down, wine, coffee and tea as these irritate things even more.

    Other than that they may be need to take swabs and Taylor the antibiotics accordingly.

    It's not fair what we women have to go through.

    X

  • may73695
    may73695 Wardrobe_mistre

    Posted

    Hi, so sorry for what you are going through. They should be taking samples to send to lab to make sure you are on the right antibiotics. Also, just a thought but whenever I take antibiotics I get thrush and wonder if you have been tested for that? May
    • Wardrobe_mistre
      Wardrobe_mistre may73695

      Posted

      They have sent them off to the lab and they keep coming back negative. Which is why I think it’s a gynae/menopause problem. I also get thrush and I know the symptoms can mimic a urine infection. I did take a thrush capsule on Monday but it made no difference unfortunately. I’ve just spoken to my surgery and booked a telephone consultation- First available was next week! This nhs situation is scary too. Thanks both for your replies 
    • phyl_40063
      phyl_40063 Wardrobe_mistre

      Posted

      The NHS situation has been a forthcoming problem for a number of years and they must be having to prioritise some patients over others all the time.

      I remember 5 years ago feeling panicky thinking that if I go ahead with surgery and it fails what then , will we still have an NHS an will I still be able to get any necessary treatment. I think once we research prolapse we realize that there is no guarantees of a quick fix.

      I don't our NHS will disappear that quick, but I think that unfortunately there is far more people using the service than there us people paying in and because of that we will eventually have to restrict access sooner or later.

      I'm sure they have been concentrating on preventive measures for a number of years resulting in the push for healthier lifestyles, but in the case of women forgot to impress the importance of protecting our pelvis floors.

      But I think some of that has back fired in the case of older women changing life styles going to gyms and resulting in prolapses.

      I'm sure some of the ladies on this forum have mentioned swabs being sent to culture lab so they can grow any bacteria and through trial and error taylor an antibiotic or antibacter that works.

      Take care x

  • robyn94818
    robyn94818 Wardrobe_mistre

    Posted

    You can't get antibiotics in my country (NZ) without lab confirmation showing bacteria present. They are way too over-used and that is causing resistance. Every time you take them they are also knocking out all your good bacteria you need for status-quo in your body. Are you washing down below with a feminine wash that is formulated specially for down there? Regular soaps & shower gels are too harsh on that area, especially as we get older. If sexually active then make sure you are well lubricated, maybe requiring a gel for this. Do you finish the course of antibiotics each time they are prescribed? They aren't working though cause they are not needed, as in there isn't the bug they are to target. What level of prolapse have they diagnosed and what has prolapsed?

    • Wardrobe_mistre
      Wardrobe_mistre robyn94818

      Posted

      I never use anything to wash down there apart from warm water, usually shower (no gel) but if I do take a bath never anything but water. I take a high grade probiotic and I always finish my antibiotic course. I wash my knickers separately from everything else and don’t even use non bio detergent. I only ever use cotton and white colour and never wear tight jeans etc. I’m not overweight I exercise regularly and have been doing pelvic floor exercises since my early 20s. I’m feeling better and when I rang to ask for my urine results today I was told a GP needed to speak to me. None is available till Monday. I’ve not seen a specialist but GP said that I had a slight prolapse grade 1. Didn’t say what type. When she prescribed the antibiotics on Monday I didn’t take them (as Ann ex nurse I’m well aware of over prescription) but by last night I was so unwell I felt I had no choice. I’m sure you’re right as to why they not working- cos not needed but am in a catch 22.  Will have to wait till next Monday when I can hopefully speak to a Dr. 

      I’ve had a flare up like this twice once in 2013 and then 2015. I sorted it eventually with lots of Ovestin and Canesten. 

    • robyn94818
      robyn94818 Wardrobe_mistre

      Posted

      Ohhhh you poor thing. There are some lovely feminine wash products available. I feel your pain now deeply as there's nothing you are doing wrong. I do hope they can find you a cure real soon. 

    • Wardrobe_mistre
      Wardrobe_mistre robyn94818

      Posted

      Thank you. I’m wondering if I may have developed an allergy to Ovestin (I do have allergies and develop them randomly to things I’ve used successfully for ages). I should maybe ask for Vagifem as an alternative. 
    • robyn94818
      robyn94818 Wardrobe_mistre

      Posted

      Try ovestin somewhere else on your body so you can see if it causes anything that spell allergy. Like the inside of forearm. I'm assuming it's a cream?

    • Wardrobe_mistre
      Wardrobe_mistre robyn94818

      Posted

      Yes it’s a cream. Would the skin on my forearm be as thin (and sensitive) as my vagina I wonder. I will try it. 
    • robyn94818
      robyn94818 Wardrobe_mistre

      Posted

      No but if you truly are allergic to it then it should cause some reaction. Your auto-immune system is same throughout your body. The most obvious way to me to eliminate that cream as being the cause of your problems is to stop using it for a few weeks. It won't make a big difference to the reason you are on it, but a big difference if it turns out it's causing your symptoms as then you won't use it anymore anyway. Can you get switched onto the oval tablet form of ovestin that you pop 1 inside using a plastic applicator? I changed to those, but have to pay a stupid price for them as they aren't funded by pharmac, but the cream is. I found the cream too messy. 

  • welshgirl67
    welshgirl67 Wardrobe_mistre

    Posted

    Hi wardrobe mistress

    I'm sorry to hear your troubles love!y. I had an anterior repair last April and after 6weeks I started a uti. I haven't had one since I was 16,I am now 49 I started using d mannose powder which I found fabulous. You can buy it off the sweet cure website. Read up on the product first and see if itscright for you. I only use natural healing so it ticked all boxes for me. The powder is a natural enzyme whichour bodies make. It binds to the bacteria for it doesnt cling to the bladder walls and is removed when you wee. I took it every 3 hours and twice during the night as this is when our bodies make the bacteria. Hope this helps you lovely. Also bee propolis,tumeric and garlic will kill off any infection. Take care xx

  • Wardrobe_mistre
    Wardrobe_mistre

    Posted

    Welshgirl67. I noticed your reply is waiting to be moderated. Maybe you can  private message me?
  • Wardrobe_mistre
    Wardrobe_mistre

    Posted

    Another quick update - an elderly relative just told me that her mother used vinegar to soothe a sore vagina. So I’ve tried it and so far (once used) I have had a morning free of that awful burning feeling. 
    • robyn94818
      robyn94818 Wardrobe_mistre

      Posted

      Now if vinegar is helping then I wonder if it's a ph imbalance down there. The feminine wash gels are really nice so one of them may cleanse it all better but not disturb natural ph. I thought vinegar was used in the old days prior to birth control pills, as a spermicide, rather than for soreness. 

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.