'A mystery illness has ruined my sex life for almost three years'

A 20-year-old who has been living with a mysterious urinary infection for nearly three years says she has 'lost all hope' of NHS treatment after claiming she was told by an NHS doctor to "Google" her symptoms.

Bianca Padurariu, a nanny from south-east London, says she first experienced a painful burning sensation every time she uses the toilet or attempts to be intimate with her partner in September 2021. Despite multiple GP visits ans rounds of antibiotics, Bianca's symptoms have persisted - but was unable to secure a hospital referral.

Taking matters into her own hands, Bianca paid £700 for a private gynaecologist consultation in September 2023. The consultation confirmed that she was suffering from a recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI).

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Armed with this diagnosis, she managed to secure an appointment with a urologist at Queen Mary's Hospital in south-west London. However, during a follow-up appointment, she claims the doctor suggested she use Google to find answers to her health concerns.

Frustrated with her ongoing health issues, Bianca lodged a complaint with the NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service. She expressed her disappointment, stating that she sought professional advice rather than resorting to "panic" by searching for symptoms online.

She has now given up on receiving help from the NHS after years of effort and is actively fundraising to afford private treatment.

"Now I've lost all hope that the NHS will do anything about this," Bianca told PA Real Life. "I'm not really sure what kind of infection I have at this point.

"It just didn't go away, so I'm wondering, is it something more complicated? It's quite sad