Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and Menopause

What is a UTI (urinary tract infection) in menopause? 

A UTI is simply the growth of harmful bacteria in your urethra or bladder. Most commonly, it is E. coli bacteria, which migrates into your urinary tract. The symptoms of a UTI typically include a frequent need to urinate, a painful or a burning sensation when you urinate, the sensation that you aren’t completely emptying your bladder, and cloudy appearance to your  urine. If you have three or more infections within a year or two or more in six months, your doctor may diagnose you with recurrent UTIs. If not treated, a UTI can progress to your kidneys and become very serious—even life-threatening. 

“UTIs are common, especially during the menopause transition and beyond,” says Dr. Leah Millheiser, Clinical Professor of OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of Evernow. “They can be incredibly distressing and take a toll on your quality of life and relationships.”

How common are UTIs during  menopause? 

“UTIs are common, especially during the menopause transition and beyond,” says Dr. Leah Millheiser, Clinical Professor of OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of Evernow. “They can be incredibly distressing and take a toll on your quality of life and relationships.”

What causes UTIs during and after menopause? 

Like every part of your body, the vagina is colonized by bacteria (aka flora) that live with you in healthy harmony. Before menopause, this vaginal bacteria is predominantly Lactobacillus—a family of “good” bacteria found in our digestive tracts as well as probiotic supplements and fermented foods like yogurt. Lactobacillus protects the vagina by creating an acidic environment that fends off the “bad” bacteria which cause UTIs and other illnesses.

During menopause, this microbial ecosystem changes. As your estrogen levels fall, the cells lining the vagina (called the epithelium) produce less glycogen—a sugar compound that feeds Lactobacillus. With fewer protective flora thriving in the environment, infection-causing bacteria begin to get a foothold. They make their way into your urethra and bladder potentially causing a UTI.

This change in vaginal flora is part of a more general trend during menopause called vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). The tissue of the vagina and urinary tract are rich in estrogen receptors, and thus very sensitive to changes in your hormones. Falling estrogen levels during menopause cause the lining of the vagina to become thinner, drier, and more fragile and may prevent complete emptying of the bladder, both which contribute to the development of UTIs.

Thus, the best way to prevent these UTIs is by addressing VVA and strengthening your genital tissues. This is possible with vaginal estrogen therapy.

What are some medical-provider-prescribed treatments for menopause-related UTIs?

If you have a UTI, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed to treat it. And for people with recurrent UTIs, “prophylactic” antibiotics may be necessary. This typically means taking a dose of antibiotic every time you have sex (because sex frequently triggers UTIs). 

For many patients and doctors, however, this kind of antibiotic use is a last resort. Antibiotic medications can cause side effects that may be very uncomfortable in their own right, such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Their use also contributes to the growing trend of antibiotic resistance we are now seeing in bacterial infections. Fortunately, there are other approaches to UTI prevention that do not require antibiotics.

Vaginal estrogen therapy uses a topical estrogen cream, vaginal estrogen tablet, insert, or insertable ring to slowly administer a low dose of estrogen directly to the vagina. This estrogen replaces your natural hormones and rejuvenates vaginal tissue. It also creates a more nourishing environment for Lactobacillus—the healthy flora that stabilize your urinary tract and prevent dangerous bacteria from taking hold. Research has shown that this treatment works to lower your risk of UTI after menopause.

Systemic hormone therapy—i.e. oral estrogen medications that improve the symptoms of menopause—may also help prevent UTIs by creating similar benefits for your vaginal ecosystem. But estrogen delivered vaginally typically offers greater benefits. 

Finally, an FDA-approved vaginal medication containing DHEA as well as the oral treatment ospemifene (a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator) both act like an estrogen, improving the health of vaginal tissue. These treatments have been endorsed by the North American Menopause Society as effective in helping prevent UTIs due to vulvovaginal atrophy.

What are some non-medical treatments for menopause-related UTIs you can do at home?

As you enter menopause, hygiene may become more important than ever in preventing UTIs. These best practices can be extremely helpful:

Wash before sex. Having sex can push bacteria into your urethra, where it takes hold. So take a quick shower beforehand and gently clean your genitals and the area around your anus with soap and water to reduce the amount of bacteria present. 

Urinate before & after sex. Flushing out your urethra before and after sex will help remove harmful bacteria before they cause problems.

Use a silicone-based lubricant. After menopause, you may have less natural vaginal lubrication and the tissue may be more easily injured during sex, which can lead to a UTI. Using a silicone-based lube can minimize friction during sex better than a water-based version. See Dr. Leah Millheiser's informative"Lubricant 101" video for more information.

Wipe from front to back. After using the toilet, always wipe front to back to avoid bringing germs to the vulvovaginal region.

What should you do next?

If you’re having UTI symptoms during menopause, check in with your healthcare provider to be screened for a UTI.

“Menopause comes with a lot of changes,” says Dr. Millheiser. “And this is one you shouldn’t ignore. If you’re having more frequent UTIs during menopause, check in with your healthcare team to identify the cause and appropriate treatment course.”

Let’s get you prepared to be paired with your provider! 

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