Research shows that urinary tract infections (UTIs) and recurrent UTIs are common among women and become more frequent as they reach menopause. One study estimates that up to 55% of women experience recurrent UTIs after menopause, which is defined as having more than two UTIs in a six-month period [1].
Several known risk factors predispose women to UTIs, including diabetes, physical disability, sexual activity, a history of urogynecological surgery, incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary incontinence.
Your doctor can help you prevent and manage UTIs during menopause.
Can Menopause Cause UTI?
As women enter menopause, hormonal fluctuations cause changes to the tissues of the urogenital tract — a condition known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause. These changes increase the risk of UTIs.
One of the defining changes during menopause is a decrease in estrogen production. As estrogen levels drop, the tissues in the genital area and urinary tract produce less glycogen, a substance that supports the growth of helpful bacteria. Lower levels of good bacteria leave the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection-causing bacteria [2].
In addition, a lack of estrogen leads to urinary and vaginal atrophy, resulting in decreased strength and elasticity of the tissues in the urinary tract. The muscles in the urethra — the tube through which urine exits the bladder — may become weakened. This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to invade the urethra and cause infections [3].
UTI Treatments
The treatment for UTIs in menopausal women is the same as the standard approach used for all individuals. Most UTIs require a prescription for antibiotics to eliminate the harmful bacteria. After confirming the presence of the infection with a UTI test, your doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication. In some cases, your doctor may want to culture the bacteria to identify the specific organism causing the infection, which helps in prescribing the most effective antibiotics [3].
UTI symptoms can include lower abdominal pain and painful urination. You can manage these symptoms by increasing your hydration. Drinking more water dilutes the urine and makes it less painful to pass. Your doctor may also prescribe phenazopyridine, a medication that soothes bladder pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce abdominal discomfort.
UTI Prevention
Taking preventive measures can help reduce the risk of UTIs. Research shows that using vaginal estrogen treatments can mitigate some of the risks associated with low estrogen. Vaginal estrogen is available in creams, suppositories, or rings and require a prescription from a doctor [2].
If recurrent UTIs are a persistent issue, you can talk to your doctor about taking prophylactic antibiotics. Research shows that daily antibiotic use for 6 to 12 months can reduce the risk of UTIs [3].
Supplements containing D-mannose are also helpful in preventing UTIs. D-mannose may make it more difficult for harmful bacteria to attach to the bladder walls [2]. Consult your doctor about the appropriate dosage.
Some people also find that drinking cranberry juice helps alleviate the symptoms of a UTI and offers some preventive benefits. However, findings on its effectiveness are inconclusive. Nonetheless, drinking cranberry juice can promote hydration, which is beneficial.
Monitor UTIs with an At-Home UTI Test
At-home UTI testing can provide valuable insights into your urinary health. The easy-to-use URINOX-10 test measures the presence of urobilinogen, nitrite, protein, blood, bilirubin, ketones, and glucose in your urine. This dipstick-style test can help identify early signs of a UTI or other urinary health issues, allowing you to consult your doctor and seek treatment as soon as possible.
