I thought I had a bout of cystitis a couple of weeks ago as I felt pricking sensation in urethra follwed by pain of passing water, so took the regular OTC powders, woke next morning to find blood and small clots in urine . Tests done that day revealed no infection - I am now waiting for further test urine and blood test results. Urine quickly went back to clear and pain eased and I was put on antibiotics jic, but am finding today vulva is tingling and discomfort in urethra - really panicking. Could this be menopause symptom?

UTIs can be normal during peri I was getting them every two months for nearly a year. They tested and retested with no answers. I think you are doing the best thing by being tested. Blood in the urine should always be checked out. Perhaps a call to a urologist is in order, they do after all specialize in this.

Hi Jen

It could be vaginal dryness due to a lack of estrogen. Could be lots of other things as well of course but your symptoms sound very similar to what I felt at the beginning. Thought it was cystitis which I hadn't had in 20 years, took OTC remedy, got checked out for infection, was given antibiotics and none of it made any difference. I had always felt it was a hormonal thing and eventually I went to a GP who realised what it was - vaginal dryness/atrophy caused by loss of estrogen.

My symptoms are not just on the outside, I also get burning and irritation deep inside and a tender tummy, just like with cystitis. If you aren't feeling any better you could try asking your doc if it could be this. Good luck.