Genitourinary Syndrome/Atrophic Vaginitis with Urethral caruncle

Posted by aniseday @aniseday, Jul 5 8:23am

I am 54 and postmenopausal for 5 years. After a negative urinalysis and negative urine culture - I was instructed to stop the antibiotics I was given (as I was experiencing all the symptoms of a UTI) and had a follow-up appointment with a pelvic exam. At my annual exam (Dec 2023) my 5yr PAP was done and I was told vaginal atrophy was present at that time. Was told to use lubrication to help with the pain during sex but nothing further. Atrophy is something 50% of women experience. Kegels and/or Pelvic Floor therapy can’t slow it down or improve it. It’s just the lack of estrogen. However, I have now developed what is called an urethral caruncle. This is the culprit for my UTI symptoms and waking 5 times during the night to pee. It is 1cm x 2cm. It is a “benign vascular growth” and they usually don’t treat it unless symptomatic or it gets “large” and then it is surgically removed. I’m starting estrogen cream therapy. I have a follow-up appointment in 6 weeks and if I’ve not improved I’ll be referred to a urogynecologist. I do see vaginal atrophy discussed - but not this particular symptom of it. Has anyone else experienced this? I will set a reminder to post an update in 6 weeks - I’m hopefully optimistic as I’m told 90% experience a complete reversal.

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