UTI and Menopause: Can menopause make you more prone to UTI?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Your bladder and vagina may alter as you get older, which might have an impact on your personal relationships. What might you anticipate as menopause approaches? How do your vaginal, urinary tract, and sexual health alter as you go through menopause, and what can you do to control these unfavourable side effects? Is there a link between UTI and Menopause?

The alterations to your vagina and urinary system are not necessarily a good start to menopause. It has been disputed whether ageing alone or menopause and the loss of oestrogen are to blame for changes in a woman's urinary system as she gets older. The abundance of oestrogen receptors in the bladder, however, means that the menopause's drop in oestrogen is probably ineffective.

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It's typical to need to use the restroom more frequently as we age since the bladder starts to lose its volume and suppleness. Your urethra may get thinner as the amount of germs in your genital area rises, making it simpler for bacteria to enter your bladder.

There can be a link between UTI and menopause because these factors make urinary tract infections more prevalent in older women. Within four or five years following your last period, this risk starts to rise.
Women's bladders also start to narrow, making them more prone to incontinence, especially if other chronic conditions like diabetes or recurrent UTIs are also present.

Consult your doctor if symptoms like painful or excessive urination, which might indicate a urinary tract infection, appear. Antibiotics make treating infections simple, but they frequently reoccur.

Urinate before and after sexual activity, ensure that your bladder is not full for extended periods of time, drink enough of fluids, and keep your genital area clean to help prevent these infections. Douching is not thought to be a reliable method of infection control. Low-dose antibiotics may be required in some menopausal women who frequently get urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections, incontinence, and feelings of vaginal dryness may be brought on by the decline in oestrogen that occurs after menopause as well as ageing in general. The good news is that there are numerous strategies to lessen these symptoms, which is why it's crucial to discuss your concerns with your healthcare professional.