Hello Talandjane_1
Thank you for your post.
It sounds like you are having a difficult time with recurrent UTIs and it is understandable that you are keen to avoid antibiotics if possible.
Vaginal dryness is common in women who are having treatment for breast cancer. This is because some breast cancer treatments like letrozole reduce the amount of the hormone oestrogen in the body. Oestrogen helps keep the vagina’s moisture and elasticity. A lack of it can cause the vagina and the surrounding tissues to become dry and less supple, causing pain, soreness and discomfort. This can cause infections.
Vaginal dryness and irritation can be very distressing and difficult to talk about. If it’s not treated vaginal dryness can get worse, so it’s important to get help if you need it.
There are a variety of non-hormonal treatments that can help with vaginal dryness, including vaginal moisturisers and lubricants.
Pelvic floor exercises can also help improve vaginal dryness by increasing blood flow to the area. The links above to our information give suggestions which may help.
You mention you are waiting for a call from your GP. As you’re taking letrozole vaginal oestrogen is not usually recommended. However, you can talk to your treatment team about the risks and benefits of this.
If symptoms persist you can talk to your doctor about a referral to a menopause clinic.
Our booklet Your body intimacy and sex booklet also has information about vaginal dryness.
Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements as they want to do as much as possible to be healthy. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural.
There is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies. Herbal treatments don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments.
We are unable to give advice about particular supplements. Do speak to your breast care nurse, treatment team, GP, or a pharmacist before taking any supplements.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Grete
Breast Care Nurse
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