Are UTIs Common After Breast Cancer Treatment?

I had 3 back to back sinus infections after starting anastrozole.

Thank you do you think it’s related to the medicine

The aromatase inhibitors decrease your estrogen, can cause menopause symptoms. One symptoms is vaginal dryness, which if untreated can cause vaginal,labial issues and possibly urinary issues. It's best to treat upfront with something. It's a very individual personal preference. You can try natural lubricants,long lasting lubricants. There is also prescription DHEA such as Intrarosa and low dose Vaginal estrogen . Intrarosa and low dose vaginal estrogen can be safe to use for some women. Do your research and talk to your Ob gyn. If you're having pain there ,don't wait to seek treatment

I have been using rmReplens for 2 years with little relief. I did not get UTI, but it felt like it sometimes. After 2 years of dryness, burning, and itching, I saw the gynecologist. She did not recommend estrogen. She suggested a product called Revaree by Bonafide. I had to order it offline because I could not find it in the stores. After a week, I started feeling better. This is what my gynecologist recommends to her cancer patients.

I had double mastectomy as well as lymph nodes removed from under both arms, then started medication. I have had UTIs as well as ear infections and sinus problems. Ever since starting the medication, I seem to pick up every bug going around. I also have had bad diarrhoea on and off.

Thank you all for your suggestions its very helpful

I’ve been on Anastrozole for 6 months. I’ve had 2 UTI’s already. I’m super careful as I also had Endometroid Adenocarcinoma with a hysterectomy and radiation treatment less than a month before my B.C. diagnosis and double mastectomy with expanders. I had second stage breast reconstruction 5 weeks ago. I’m just finishing up a round of antibiotics today. Ugh!

I had constipation badly with it, then they put me on exemestane which is working great

I have been on the anastrozole for over three years. I have not had any side effects.

My daughter’s pain management doctor D’ Manosse , for UTI, two capsules in the morning, two in the evening, and we haven’t had any UTI issue since we started taking them, you can buy them on Amazon

Of what????

i was on anastrozole at the start of treatment and developed breathing issues, and I already have COPD. Will NOT go on Tamoxifin, so did research and decided on Aromasin (exemestane). Been 1 1/2 yrs and I do get tired and occasional hot flash, but better than breathing problems. Had 9mm tumor lumpectomy, lymphs removed (but ok) and tested 3 out of 100 for reoccurence. Had radiation with no issues. We have to be our own doctors.....

I'm am just shocked at the lack of survivorship care. No guidance at all. I live in an area where you would think you would receive great care. I go to a larger group that advertised services to their cancer patients. It's so funny,they give you a tablet at appointments that ask about your mood,pain,and stuff like that. But when you put in answers that you need help with pain or something else,they don't help you. So sad.

so true, you have to take matters into your own hands. I am fortunate that my onco is a woman and understands.

Yes, I am on Letrozole and recently had 3 UTI’s back to back. Was advised to take D’Mannose as someone else mentioned. I also have been using vaginal suppositories to balance PH. So far, so good as it is 4 weeks without another UTI.

For UTI I have been taking D Manosse , you can order it on Amazon and they 2 cups of in the morning and two in the evening. No more UTI issues for me.

UTIs can indeed become more frequent for some people during breast cancer treatment, particularly with hormone therapies like anastrozole, which can affect the body's natural balance and potentially make infections more likely. This seems to be something that both of you are dealing with, so bringing it up with your healthcare team would be wise - they can help determine if there's a connection to your treatment and suggest ways to prevent future infections.