Pelvic health: UTIs and vaginal atrophy + probiotics and natural remedies | Liz Earle Wellbeing

Liz Earle returns in her weekly vlog. To mark Vaginal Atrophy Awareness Week, Liz discusses the causes of common pelvic health conditions including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal atrophy. She also shares a number of remedies she recommends and discusses the role of probiotics.
Links mentioned in the episode
How to treat recurring UTIs with Dr Louise Newson lizearlewellbe...
What are probiotics? lizearlewellbe...
Listen to Liz's podcast episode on the causes of UTIs lizearlewellbe...
Find out more about Liz Earle Wellbeing lizearlewellbe...

[@laineydunlop2161]

As someone who has vaginal atrophy I wanted to thank you Liz for discussing this topic. I don’t think women realise just how common or debilitating this is. Especially at an age where intimacy can drop off a cliff if you don’t tackle this underlying issue. My female doctor was not that helpful to me so to have a community where information is researched and shared is invaluable. 🙏😘

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thank you so much for your comment here - we couldn't agree more. Such an important topic and one that needs to be discussed far more than what we do at the moment. Please do share and spread the message :)

[@jeanluby4636]

@jennycarter-vj3hu How do we find them?

[@Mebbe308]

I’m 76 using oestrogen. Just recovering from a vaginal boil. Not a happy bunny. Your video was very comforting and useful, bless you

[@lizearlewellbeing]

glad you found helpful ❤️

[@devidaughter7782]

with uti symptoms coming up, I inserted a large clove of garlic, right up in the 'cranny' by the cervix, just as I used to do for yeast infections. in a short time I was feeling better, as the garlic worked its magic. for those who are sensitive to the raw garlic (don't nick it - remove the skin carefully), you can coat in olive oil before inserting. I find it naturally comes out a day or two later, or you can remove it with fingers (this is where an extra large clove is helpful). thanks for the video- very helpful!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thank you for sharing - we wouldn't advise others doing this as it could cause infection ❤️

[@devidaughter7782]

@@lizearlewellbeing this came from a women's health collective booklet from Quebec, and I've been doing it for years to treat yi, very effectively (though I no longer get yi I'm happy to say)!

[@OptibacProbiotics]

Thank you for the fantastic shout out Liz! All about those two super strains for helping to rebalance the vagina's microbiome 💜

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Absolutely! So incredibly useful for supporting our wellbeing 💜

[@jaredforspeed9611]

I am 49 y.o lady from Manila Philippines. I watched this video and find it very helpful to me. I will try to look around if all these localized estrogen treatment from UK are available here. And if I can afford to buy. I wish they are not very pricey Thanks for doing this video God bless u back

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Really hope this was helpful!

[@nana820able]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I have a history of repeated UTI's but in the last year it's more of atrophy symptoms. Have used probiotics for years but they don't seem to work as well so I'm going to order the one you recommended.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Glad you found so helpful - localised vaginal oestrogen may be able to help with recurrent UTIs lizearlewellbeing.com/healthy-living/the-menopause/vaginal-atrophy-explained/

[@nana820able]

@Jenny Carter No I haven't ever heard of it before now. Have you tried it? I've never ordered from a youtuber before much less ingest a product they sell. But if it stops UTI'S it'd be worth it. Haven't had one since Nov just doing what I'm doing now.

[@janebaldacci9007]

Another fabulous informative talk Liz thank you so much 😊

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks so much for watching ❤️

[@sharonbowes6545]

What is the garlic that you recommended in this video I was unable to see the brand

[@nemesis1487]

I have athropy and lately getting cystitis frequently ( very surprised as I never had any issues before menopause in my life). Anyway, I am using cranberry sachets with probiotics and for 3 days oregano oil when I get flare ups , it does wonders!! Finally pain free without antibiotics. I researched myself on the internet and KZbin as my gynecologist wasn't really giving me any other solutions.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@lindasamuelson6191]

Coconut oil is fantastic

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@highbany]

I found this video so useful, you explained so clearly. At 85 I have had UTI’s for many years antibiotics given, but now have the vaginal atrophy, so painful. I will certainly try things you mention Thankyou.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Glad you have found this helpful ❤️

[@ДенисДмитриев-е2ж]

Extremely informative- thank you so much 👏👏👏

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thank you very much for watching and your kind words here!

[@andrealoulou]

I purchased some cranberry supplements for my constant frequent urination due to atrophy, within 3 days my bladder got far worse. I then did some research and was shocked to stumble across some evidence that suggested that cranberry can actually be a bladder irritant. I've reached the point now where I'll be asking my GP for topical oestrogen. HRT has been wonderful but unfortunately the only thing it hasn't helped with is atrophy. I think some of us need both HRT and localised oestrogen.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

We have a piece on our website on vaginal atrophy which you may find helpful 💕

[@jeanluby4636]

@@lizearlewellbeing my experience for the last four yrs. has been 5 doctors of no help and another dozen telling me what to do in print. Its about a lot of advertising and selling of useless products!!

[@Buk_holistic]

This has been helpful, thank you.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

you're so welcome!

[@KS-op5hb]

just went into early surgical menopause...so thank you for these tips...

[@lizearlewellbeing]

You're welcome ❤️

[@fae137]

Great advice. I also just discovered PACs!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Glad you found helpful ❤️

[@2TSB222]

Dandelion root capsules helped quickly for UTI.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks for sharing!

[@eleanorjones379]

Hi Liz, thank you for this video! I’ve just turned 24 and I have been suffering from UTI/cystitis symptoms on a regular basis recently. I know I’m young so I thought my oestrogen levels would be fine, but is it common for young women to have a drop in oestrogen levels? Also I tend to have numb/tingly legs and shortness of breathe, at points where I get these urine symptoms. So I was wondering if that was normal? I’ve spoken to doctors but they either say that you don’t get numbness in legs with UTI or that I could be deficient in vitamin B12 (usually with confused looks on their faces which isn’t reassuring). Thank you for recommending the garlic tablets and others. Im definitely going to try these.🙏🏻 Also I just want to say a big thank you for all you are doing for women’s health in general! My mum has been following you for years and her health has changed and improved so much thanks to your advice and the work you do with different health experts.💗👏🏻👏🏻

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Hi Eleanor, thanks for reaching out and we're so glad you're enjoying all of our content! Unfortunately, we're unable to offer individuals medical advice. But we'd say that it's worth speaking to a specialist here about your symptoms ❤️

[@janeingram742]

Thank you so much for this one, have got my Mum to listen as she suffers a lot so she is going to get the garlic capsules etc and see if they help as just keeps getting given antibiotics from the doctor.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Really hope this is helpful, thanks so much for sharing ❤️

[@sandralaurens5110]

How long do we have to take Optibac probiotics for woman? You're very informative we need people in the community to fight our corner ,thankyou.I'll also be subscribing to your magazine next month Liz. My husband and I will god willing be celebrating our 46th wedding anniversary in october and I've finally converted him to my way of thinking ,all downtown to you liz.Thankyou

[@lizearlewellbeing]

So lovely to read this! Liz tends to takes Optibac probiotics for a month on and a month off, but do be guided by your own symptoms? Will pass on your kind message and hope you really enjoy the magazine too. Happy Anniversary for October! best wishes, Annie x

[@karenmazur8996]

Where do you get that prebiotic for woman?

[@Bantuqueen01]

I tried Intrarosa.. burned like crazy!

[@pennywoodrow2590]

Thank you

[@lizearlewellbeing]

You're welcome

[@bibizeeboohoo741]

Please, Liz can you put those names of what you recommend? Many thanks 👋🤗🥰🌺🌷🌹🙏🏼

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Yes of course - they are Vagifem, Intrarosa and OptiBac Probiotics For Women. Hope this helps! !💕

[@bibizeeboohoo741]

Thanks ever so much Liz. I love to see you on QVC as well. I love your beautiful personality. Keep safe and well. 👋🤗🌺💕🌹🥰🙏🏼

[@lizearlewellbeing]

@@bibizeeboohoo741 Hello - just to say Liz has not been on QVC for many years now, just the beauty brand represented on shows there by its employees! ❤️

[@jeanluby4636]

@@lizearlewellbeing I thought you were not to offer medical advice and quite rudely I must say

[@pallavisreetambraparni6995]

Please post the names of these supplements here. Thank u

[@lizearlewellbeing]

They are D-Mannose, L.Rhamnosus and L.Reuteri probiotic strains found in Opitbac for Women, and a high-strength garlic powder!

[@graceowaka1284]

The presentation is well,but doctor how can I get the drugs. Pliz advise

[@jeanluby4636]

I've been told my problem is nerve pain and recommended Gabapentin. Not sure it could be nerve pain as I've never ridden a horse or bicycle How else could I have damaged nerves? I have not responded to estradiol or estrogen treatments.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Sorry to hear you're struggling! Do speak to your doctor about this - we're no able to offer medical advice ❤️

[@Maria_Cap]

I also have nerve pain. It’s the same pain I had 30 years ago when pregnant with my daughter. She came 2 weeks late and weighed 10lb3oz. I think the damage happened then but has remained dormant while I was young and active with a strong pelvic floor muscle. When my pelvic floor prolapsed the pain came back. So if you’ve been pregnant the damage may have happened then or during the birth I wish you luck. The thing that has worked best for me is pacing myself. Spreading out my activities, chores etc. if I have pain and I’m home and can do it, I lay down and apply ice. They make ice packs for new mothers that are exactly the right size and shape After about a half hour I have some relief

[@jeanluby4636]

@@lizearlewellbeing I wasn't asking for medical advice just stating my problem like everyone else

[@jeanluby4636]

I'm with u here. I finally switched to vagi fem but giving it longer than a month which originally was prescribed that did nothing. I decided to give it another try took 2 month to feel the difference so one month is not enough for some of us. Starting to feel like my old self. Life has been pretty miserable going on 3 yrs. trying different things.

[@elaine2158]

@@jeanluby4636 Wait, you were prescribed vagifem for a month? As in, for a month only?! That's insane. Did they think you were going to become premenopausal again after the month passed or something? What are you on now? You should be on an adequate dose of systemic HRT, plus nightly estradiol/prasterone pessaries plus nightly estriol cream and vaginal moisturiser all around the outside and a little inside. Every single night, until you're better, then see if 5 nights a week is still ok. Ignore the shitty standard advice to use it twice a week only after the first two weeks. Ignore the idiots, if you do what moron doctors tell you you'll still be suffering 3 years from now. You can use the moisturizer as many times as you like all day.

[@LoveABun]

What does the science say about the safety of Intrarosa for breast cancer survivors?

[@navlettdouglas3644]

Thank u so so much

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Most welcome 😊

[@AloeMCMLXIV]

It's great to talk about estrogen replacement therapy. People are kept in the dark about how the creams are made. They are made from female horse urine. The horses are kept in stalls that are so small the horses are unable to move. The horses are hooked up to a catheter which takes their urine. These horses are pregnant or had their foals. The males are sent out to be slaughtered because you cannot get estrogen obviously from a male horse. Once the mare's are unable to produce estrogen they are then slaughtered. This is the most inhumane way to get estrogen replacement. It's disgusting and so dated in medical science it should be banned. Oh and this is happening in Canada.

[@widowswatch6610]

Try estriol made up in a compounding pharmacy cream

[@jeanluby4636]

@@widowswatch6610 It's the same thing only compounded in different strength like a recipe!!

[@jeanluby4636]

Who's more important a pregnant horse or human female? The horse pees anyway we don't care where it comes from as long as it works.!! Why would we be in the dark?

[@jeanluby4636]

Where's the rest of my comment?

[@chillsquid9178]

​@@jeanluby4636That is such a stupid thing to say

[@aawrnnc]

I reached out to my gynecologist because I’ve had some intermittent vaginal burning. I am on HRT. I take the estrogen patch twice a week and I use progesterone daily. she told me that I shouldn’t be having any issues with the pH of my vagina due to low estrogen since I’m on HRT. However, I ended up ordering some vaginal estrogen cream through Alloy. I have been using that for a few weeks. My question is, can you still be on HRT and still have some issues with vaginal changes despite being on HRT?

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Everyone is different but some women do need vaginal oestrogen as well ❤️

[@janineirvine6534]

Thank you so much for your video. Can I just check on a day to day bases would you take the probiotic and garlic and if so how many daily? You take the other only when needed. X

[@tracyleekley1353]

I discovered your podcast 2 years later and it lines up with the research I'm having to do myself because: Am I the only woman that finds she gets top-notch HRT treatment when she utilizes doctors "outside of the insurance networks, that only accept cash, no insurance"?? When I could no longer afford the multi thousand dollar treatment I was receiving in my mid-50's, and had to start relying on doctors through my Blue Shield of CA PPO insurance (which ain't cheap either!), my general MD was clueless; my new OB/GYN was giving me doses so diluted in comparison to my cash-paid doctors, that all my symptoms are miserable and not being properly handled! I have sex and I can't sit for 3 days after; I have horrific hot flashes leaving me dripping with sweat in my proper work attire, it is miserable! So I am now doing my own research so I can instruct my doctors what to prescribe to me!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

We have a video on here on how to speak to your doctor about symptoms/menopause, which you may find helpful! 💕

[@LoveABun]

Do the garlic supplements cause one to have a garlic-smelling breath?

[@jeanluby4636]

NO not in capsule or pill form

[@bibizeeboohoo741]

Is this the way to spell Dmanose please?🤔

[@lizearlewellbeing]

D-mannose💕

[@bibizeeboohoo741]

Thanks 👏🤗👍🌷🥰🌹🙏🏼

[@angelajones8365]

Hi Liz, Just wondering do you have any videos on BIS and pelvic pain. I think I have IBS which flares up from time to time and would like to know which probiotics would, thanks.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Yes we have lots of info on our website and you might like to take a listen to this podcast specifically - hope helpful! Annie x lizearlewellbeing.com/podcasts-videos/podcast/podcast-ibs-digestion-gut-health/

[@puffymuffin9064]

You can try life advantage pro bio natural and fast product to take for IBS

[@td6369]

As of November 2021 Liz Earle Optibac has 1 more additional culture in it

[@sarataylor1105]

Hi Liz, I have just recommend that my mother watches this and I have sent her the remedies that you share. However, she takes tablets for blood pressure and heart medications and wonders if she will be able to take these as she cannot take St Johns Wort? I am so grateful that you highlight this subject as I'm sure a lot of women just suffer in silence because they don't actually know that there is something that can help..Thank you.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Hi Sara - would recommend that your mother has a chat with her doctor about the concerns you mention here as we can't offer individualised advice I'm afraid. Thank you so much for watching and sharing though

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Just as a follow-up, I hope you heard Liz's reply to you on her IGTV/Facebook live? She mentioned that garlic capsules, D-Mannose and the Opti-Bac probiotics mentioned here are safe to take (they are food supplements) and don't interact with normal medication. Many GPs actually recommend garlic supplements for heart issues as an healthy extra. Hope this is helpful for your mother. It may be that (given her age) a safe treatment such as Vagifem is going to be the most helpful of all.

[@sarataylor1105]

@@lizearlewellbeing Oh thank you! That's so kind of you to reply to my comment. I didn't hear/see it so I will go back and try and find it.

[@sarataylor1105]

@@lizearlewellbeing Thank you

[@Sally4x]

You mention you keep your probiotics in the fridge. Optibac say they don’t need to be kept in the fridge. Is it best for me to put them in the fridge?

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Completely up to you - Liz just keeps hers in the fridge more as a reminder for her to take them in the morning :)

[@karenmazur8996]

Where do you get it?

[@puffymuffin9064]

​@@karenmazur8996look it up on Google they website will come up

[@kathylucero1208]

Do you take d Manos daily or just when symptoms arise? Thank you!

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Some women take daily as a preventative, but hopefully you would only need to take as a short course when symptoms arise. If you find you are having daily symptoms it would be worth talking to your GP about other safe, long term options, such as vaginal oestrogen. A strong course of garlic oil capsules can also help send symptoms packing. Hope this is helpful!

[@MsSimixx]

You shouldn't take it daily. It can be very harsh on the kidneys and can cause damage - you can just take it once symptoms crop up.

[@shayedamalik5650]

For thus great info,I have been suffering for past 12 wks😂 of urine infection with blood in urine took drs 6th vist to refer me,to urology, constant pain ,rushing in loo 12 was of lower back pain,,I might have kidney ,so hard ,,,,iv just rec0 from long covid now this ,just turn 60 thought we be better ,,,so hard to keep focus ,,,,I'm going on the links of herbal you have said can not connect the links,please can u add inur reply the names

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Sorry to hear this - we've updated the links so you can take a look ❤️

[@joreal2006]

D-Mannose

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Yes!

[@josephfreeflowingnatural8907]

You need to speak up or get a better speaker.

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@kareybarey13]

I recently noticed when I'm washing my vagina.My inner lips inner labia, whatever it's called is so much smaller.Not that they were ever big but now they're like almost don't exist in!!

[@Nicetime-nc7zn]

Just save me🥹👏🏾

[@lizearlewellbeing]

Glad you found helpful!