Can Vaginal Oestrogen Ease My Bladder Leaks and Need-to-Go Urgency?

The reality of GSM is that it can have a huge impact on your pelvic health - far beyond your vagina and vulva feeling like they’ve spent a week in the Sahara. Often referred to as ‘vaginal dryness’, it is characterised by a range of symptoms, including itching, burning, and pain during intercourse. But one of the lesser-known but significant links associated with GSM is the increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinary incontinence - and if you are experiencing leaks, it’s definitely something you should be discussing with your doctor. 

There are a few ways to treat GSM, but topical vaginal oestrogen is one of the best ways to combat the varied symptoms that can affect the whole pelvic area. Through our new Jude Digital Bladder Clinic, we have partnered with a fully licensed GPhC registered UK pharmacy to offer clinician-approved vaginal oestrogen. By taking a simple, 2 minute questionnaire from the comfort of your own home, you can see now if it’s the right treatment for you. Find the questionnaire here.

What causes GSM/ vaginal atrophy?

As we age, our oestrogen levels start to decline. As they do so, the lining of vagina, vulva and vaginal tissues start to thin and become dry and more prone to tearing. This can also lead to a reduction in the natural acidity of the vagina, making it more susceptible to UTIs. Additionally, the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles (and the bladder muscle itself) due to GSM can contribute to urinary incontinence.

What are the symptoms of GSM?

The symptoms of GSM can vary from moderate to severe and include:

• Increased frequency of urination

• Urinary urgency and incontinence

• Vaginal dryness and irritation

• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Pain or discomfort during sex

These symptoms can cause considerable discomfort and impact a woman's mental, emotional, and sexual well-being. It's important for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek medical advice for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

What treatment options are there for GSM?

The treatment options for GSM include various approaches that are aimed at relieving symptoms, and improving the health of the vaginal tissues. Topical vaginal oestrogen is an easy to use treatment that helps to improve the strength of bladder muscles and give you greater control, whilst also alleviating vaginal dryness by increasing the thickness of the vaginal lining, restoring moisture and improving its elasticity. This also reduces the risk of UTIs that are all too common with vaginal dryness. It also alleviates symptoms of stress incontinence, by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and delivering oestrogen directly to the many oestrogen receptors in the pelvic floor. 

Other treatments for GSM include non-hormonal treatments, such as vaginal moisturisers and lubricants; systemic hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and surgical treatment such as vaginal laser treatment.

How does vaginal oestrogen help relieve bladder leaks?

Vaginal oestrogen helps manage symptoms of GSM, such as vaginal dryness, itching, pain during intercourse, recurrent UTIs, and urinary incontinence. In the case of bladder leaks, vaginal oestrogen helps to support the delicate tissues around the urethra and urinary tract, delivering oestrogen directly to the oestrogen receptors in the pelvis; namely the vagina, bladder, urethra and pelvic muscles. 

This then improves the condition of the tissues which are often depleted due to low oestrogen, improving moisture, increasing protection and easing issues such as incontinence as the tissues and muscles strengthen.

What available forms of vaginal oestrogen are there?

Topical vaginal oestrogen is available in various forms including creams, rings, and tablets. These different formulations are to suit every woman. Jude’s Digital Bladder Clinic offers vaginal oestrogen via two simple options: Estriol Cream, and Gina Tablets that are applied locally, inside the vagina; try our questionnaire to see if it’s suitable for you.

Research and clinical evidence strongly support the use of topical vaginal oestrogen in managing the symptoms of GSM and addressing the associated urinary issues. Before starting any hormonal treatment, we recommend you speak to your doctor to discuss an appropriate treatment plan for their individual needs.

Where can I get vaginal oestrogen?

Suspect that you are suffering with symptoms related to GSM and think that you would benefit from vaginal oestrogen to relieve your bladder leaks and dryness? Jude has partnered with a fully licensed GPhC regulated pharmacy to offer clinician-approved topical vaginal oestrogen for vaginal atrophy and urinary incontinence. 

To find out if it’s right for you, complete this 2 minute questionnaire which will then be reviewed by a fully-licensed pharmacist. If approved, your medication will be sent to you quickly and discreetly in the mail. 

Want to find out if it’s right for you? To get started, click here.

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