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On Tamoxifen And Arimadex For Breast Cancer. Does Reduced Estrogen Levels Causes UTI?
Question: Hi,
I am 67 & was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 5 years ago. I was on Tamoxifen & for the past 18 months, Arimadex.
Since changing to Arimadex I have had non stop UTI's. Keflex cures them but I was told there was a pessary or vaginal gel I could use that may help. I am concerned that this may affect my oestragen levels.
Please can you advise me as the UTI's are making my life a misery.
Thank you,
XXXXXXX.
I am 67 & was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 5 years ago. I was on Tamoxifen & for the past 18 months, Arimadex.
Since changing to Arimadex I have had non stop UTI's. Keflex cures them but I was told there was a pessary or vaginal gel I could use that may help. I am concerned that this may affect my oestragen levels.
Please can you advise me as the UTI's are making my life a misery.
Thank you,
XXXXXXX.
Hi,
Welcome to XXXXXXX
Since breast cancers are estrogen dependent, the drugs you are taking, are meant to reduce the levels of estrogen, thereby inhibiting the growth of the tumor cells.
Reduced estrogen levels is a risk factor for Hence using estrogen gel may not be advisable in your case, unless your doc prescribes it knowing the risks.
To prevent RECURRENT UTI, other methods need to be followed.
1. Timed and complete emptying of the bladder and compulsory emptying at bed time.
2. Plenty of oral fluids - drinking enough before the thirst sensation starts rather than later.
3. Cleaning the anal area from FRONT TO BACK rather than back to front ( to prevent migration of bacteria from the anal canal to the vagina)
4. Low dose long term antibiotic chemo-prophylaxis for 3 to 6 months ( very important)
5. Cranberry juice as juice or tablet form - help to prevent bacteria from getting adherent to the urinary tract.
Hope this helps, kindly get back for doubts if any.
Wishing you best health,
Regards
DR GS
Welcome to XXXXXXX
Since breast cancers are estrogen dependent, the drugs you are taking, are meant to reduce the levels of estrogen, thereby inhibiting the growth of the tumor cells.
Reduced estrogen levels is a risk factor for Hence using estrogen gel may not be advisable in your case, unless your doc prescribes it knowing the risks.
To prevent RECURRENT UTI, other methods need to be followed.
1. Timed and complete emptying of the bladder and compulsory emptying at bed time.
2. Plenty of oral fluids - drinking enough before the thirst sensation starts rather than later.
3. Cleaning the anal area from FRONT TO BACK rather than back to front ( to prevent migration of bacteria from the anal canal to the vagina)
4. Low dose long term antibiotic chemo-prophylaxis for 3 to 6 months ( very important)
5. Cranberry juice as juice or tablet form - help to prevent bacteria from getting adherent to the urinary tract.
Hope this helps, kindly get back for doubts if any.
Wishing you best health,
Regards
DR GS
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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