estradiol cream to prevent urinary tract infections

@chrisanon Thanks for much for the reassuring information. I had an endometrial biopsy a year ago and the doctor did not use any pain management and told me there would be no pain - not true at all. I know totally different procedures, etc., I just was a bit unsure about doctor reassurances. I have a two-time cancer history, so I need to not be such a chicken and just get it done. Thanks for the well-wishes - right back at you too!

@lucyvt Thanks! I'd just make sure they are using pain mgmt or find another practice- in a different location. Hugs!

So many varied answers. I am diabetic and getting vaginosis. I dont know where to go or who to rely on.

I use estradiol cream 3X a week. I have frequent UTIs. I thought that I had read here that someone was instructed to use it every night. My urologist is very casual about it and doesn't think that it helps prevent UTIs. How often are you using the cream? Does it really help/prevent UTIs? I have been searching to see if a study or other information is available and have not not been successful. I have mucous membrane pemphigoid. My UTIs started prior to my diagnosis. I started with UTIs when trying to come off of a medication and had uncontrollable bowels. Thank you.

@audreyh

I too had recurrent UTIs and am on estradiol cream 2X/week in addition to having been on the antibiotic Hiprex twice/day and 500 mg of Vitamin C twice a day. I recently went off the Hiprex as the guidelines state to be on it for a year-year and a half. I’m still taking the Vitamin C and the estradiol cream. Since being on this protocol, I haven’t had a UTI since January, 2025! Im worried they may start up again but hopefully they won’t.

Thank you for your response. I will try adding Vitamin C to see if it will help. 🤞🤞

@mwendt54
Thank you for the info! Did you have any of the possible side effects from the Hiprex? Stomach upset, etc?
Also wondering about the application of the estradiol cream. Is it inserted vaginally or applied topically to urethral area? Thank you!!

@marymad
I had no side effects from the Hiprex. I think I took it with a couple of crackers for the first couple of weeks and then on an empty stomach for the morning dose. I use applicators for the estradiol. You can purchase disposable ones on Amazon which are really affordable. Cleaning the ONE that comes in the box is not practical. The doc said I could just put it on my finger and insert it that way too but I chose the applicator. Good luck 😄.

@mwendt54

Check out resources from urologist Dr. Rachel Rubin:
https://www.rachelrubinmd.com/gsm
She is doing a lot of research and advocacy on getting women on vaginal estrogen to prevent UTI’s and urosepsis.

Interview with Dr. Rubin on Peter Attia was excellent: