Connection Between Menopause and Urinary Tract Infections: Insights, Remedies, and Preventive Measures
Menopause and Increased Risk of Urinary Tract Infections
Menopause, a significant phase in a woman's life, brings about several changes in the body, including an increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections (UTIs). This increased risk is primarily due to the decline in estrogen levels during this period [1][3][5].
As estrogen levels decrease, the epithelial lining of the bladder and urethra becomes thinner, leading to changes in the urogenital microbiome. This condition, known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), includes symptoms such as vaginal atrophy, decreased lubrication, a less acidic vaginal environment, and weakened tissue integrity. These changes impair the natural defense mechanisms against bacterial invasion and promote urinary symptoms like increased frequency and urgency, facilitating infection development [1][4].
During menopause, the vagina's flora can also be disrupted, with harmful bacteria multiplying more easily. This imbalance in the microbiome reduces the natural defense mechanisms against UTIs, with a reduced presence of Lactobacillus bacteria and an elevated pH [2].
Pelvic floor dysfunction associated with menopause can also disrupt normal urine flow, resulting in urine retention that fosters bacterial growth and infection risk [1].
UTIs occur when bacteria contaminate the urinary tract and reach the bladder, often entering through the rectum or vagina. Simple steps to prevent UTIs include staying hydrated, urinating before and after sexual activity, wiping from front to back, replacing baths with showers, reducing the use of sprays or powders, and avoiding douching [6].
In postmenopausal females, the treatment for UTIs is oral antibiotics [5]. However, there is growing concern about bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. In such cases, it's essential to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional.
UTIs are more common in females than males, with about 60% of females having at least one UTI during their lifetime [7]. People can use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and apply a heating pad to relieve pain and discomfort. Staying hydrated can help ease the symptoms of a UTI and speed recovery [6].
The transition to menopause, known as perimenopause, takes years to complete and lasts on average 7 years but can sometimes be double that. As people progress through perimenopause, the muscles in the bladder and pelvic floor can weaken, leading to urinary incontinence [3].
There are two main types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence and urge incontinence. If you experience any symptoms of urinary incontinence or recurrent UTIs, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment and management [1].
References: [1] NIH. (2020). Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532950/ [2] NIH. (2020). Urinary Tract Infection. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532951/ [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Menopause: Symptoms and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menopause/art-20046268 [4] John Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Menopause and Vaginal Atrophy. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/menopause/menopause-and-vaginal-atrophy [5] NIH. (2020). Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532951/ [6] NIH. (2020). Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532951/ [7] NIH. (2020). Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532951/
- Menopause, a phase in a woman's life, increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), primarily due to the decline in estrogen levels, which affects the health of the urinary system.
- The decrease in estrogen levels during menopause leads to changes in the urogenital microbiome, causing conditions like genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which affects urinary health and women's health.
- During menopause, women may experience urinary symptoms such as increased frequency and urgency due to a less acidic vaginal environment and weakened tissue integrity, creating a favorable environment for UTIs.
- Science highlights that bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics is a growing concern, especially in postmenopausal females, where the treatment for UTIs is oral antibiotics.
- It's important for women experiencing urinary incontinence or recurrent UTIs to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment and management, as these health-and-wellness issues become more common during menopause.
