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HRT for treating UTIs

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Craftycat Fri 02-Sept-16 11:24:23

I suffer from Urinary Tract Infections. I went to my doctor last week with another one & as I had read that vaginal dryness can be a cause I asked her about it. I had a lot of trouble when they tried to do my last smear & was prescribed pessaries for a month before the could try again. It did get done eventually.
She confirmed what I had read that these infections can be caused by dryness & prescribed me the same vaginal pessaries again. TBH I did not realise they were a form of HRT until I got home this time.
I have never taken HRT- never had any need as I sailed through menopause ( having suffered from hot flushes all my life anyway I didn't notice any difference).
My doctor obviously knows my age (66) & must have felt it was OK to give me these but I am concerned after the recent 'scare' in the press. I have read all the info on this site but still not sure if to continue with them or not. I know I could go back to doctor but I rarely go anyway & I assume she will just say it is Ok as she gave them to me.
Any ideas?

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TriciaF Fri 02-Sept-16 11:36:54

I've used them since I was about 60 (I'm 80 now). When I first started I was worried as I'd never been on HRT but my Dr. then said it was a minute amount, and was localised, not to worry. Another point is they need to weigh up the harm done by regular use of antibiotics for UTIs, against this tiny amount of hormone.
I now use a cream, estriol, which is said to be even less risky than oestrogen.

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Katek Fri 02-Sept-16 11:43:24

Are you taking any NSAIDS, particularly mefenamic acid/Ponstan? I suffered for years with Uti's but after I was taken off this drug (for other reasons) they've pretty much disappeared. It can limit urine output thus leading to stasis and perfect breeding ground for bugs. Just a thought.

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