UTIs are Common during Perimenopause and Menopause
Today’s discussion on Urinary Tract Infections during Menopause is sponsored by URISTAT®. I have received free product and promotional consideration to inform you, as my readers, about this little known condition.
Source: URISTAT ® “Never on Pause” Education campaign
The incidence of UTIs during menopause
Surprise! Just more menopause fun! Not only does menopause bring physical changes and symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and missed periods, but UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) are quite common. In fact, as the pie chart above notes: more than half (53%) of women over 55 experience recurring UTIs (at least three UTIs over 12 months)
Why does menopause lead to increased UTIs?
Perimenopaure and Menopause is the time when ovaries naturally begin decreasing their production of sex hormones; “good bacteria” levels also drop. A lack of estrogen and good bacteria allows “bad bacteria” to grow more easily in the vagina or urethra. Therefore, women who have undergone menopause are at an increased risk for UTIs.
UGGGH! Can I avoid Urinary Tract Infections During Menopause?
Helpful tips to reduce the likelihood of getting a UTI:
- Hydrate with water. This is will lead to frequent urination, which helps in keeping bacteria flushed out of your system
- Always wipe front to back. This is an oldie but a goodie. You don’t want the bacteria from your anal region in your vagina and uretha. I know it’s a tad graphic but it’s a big NO to do back to front wiping.
- Avoid products that irritate! My mother was a nurse and she always had me avoid products that irritate the urethra and trigger a UTI! For example, she told me to avoid vaginal deodorants, sprays, douches and powders. I also stay out of hot tubs and most pools, as the chemicals are a real irritant for me!
- Had sex? Urinate immediately! No, it’s not super sexy to bound out of bed after a nice lovemaking session, but if you want to want to avoid UTIs, in my experience this is the very best way! I recommend urinating and then showering as soon after sex as you can.
- Wear cotton underwear. Cotton underwear is porous and keeps your genitals dry. While you are at it you might want to ditch the thong too unless it gives you enough coverage. Avoid underwear made with synthetic materials.
- Gotta go? GO! Don’t hold your urine. It’s not comfortable and holding urine makes it easier for bacteria to multiply in your urinary tract.
Get relief for UTIs
For a UTI, you need prescription antibiotics. While you are waiting for them to work, there is a pain reliever for when you begin to experience symptoms and think you have a UTI. URISTAT® Pain Relief Tablets deliver fast, temporary relief of pain for the burning and urgency and frequency of urination while you wait until you can see your doctor.
If you have ever had a UTI, you know the pain can virtually drive you nuts. From the makers of MONISTAT®, over-the-counter URISTAT ® Pain Relief Tablets contain phenazopyridine HCl, the #1 doctor recommended ingredient used to treat UTI pain or discomfort.
Get more information and get a coupon today!
For more information and for a high value coupon for URISTAT ® products, click the picture below or please visit URISTAT.
How do you deal with your UTIs?
As if women don’t have enough problems to deal with. But this is definitely good information and good tips too. Thanks.
THanks Marti. The CHief Blonde
I had no idea that UTI could active during menopause, Im so glad that I found this. This is very helpful article, I will pass it and share to my friends and relatives.
Thanks John. The Chief Blonde
I have never had one. I seem to be doing everything right.
You are lucky Gabrielle. The Chief Blonde
Not a fun subject to write about but you did a nice job 🙂
Thanks Jeanine, You are right on that.
I have had a few UTI within the past two years. I drink natural cranberry juice and also take cranberry pills, which seem to help. I love AZO too. Love the tips included in the post too!
THanks Nicole, glad I could help. The Chief Blonde
I had never had a UTI until about 7-8 years ago and it wasn’t just discomfort, it was excruciating stabbing like a knife pain when I urinated and it looked like mostly blood when I urinated. I immediately went to the dr and he explained most all of what you just did about it happening more often because of menopause or perimenapause, I am 47 now. I didnt know about the Uristat at the time or I would have gotten some but did get relief from the medication the dr prescribed. I have 3-4 UTI’s within a very short period of time and haven’t had one like that since. I do the things you stated now but was doing them at the times I got the UTI’s. I will get the Uristat to have on hand but I so hope I do not need it.
I am so glad you haven’t had one, but yes Uristat might be good for you to keep around.
I didn’t realize that peri and post menopausal woman were at an increased risk for UTIs. Thanks for the information. I get them on occasion and Uristat is a life-saver!
I am glad that Uristat is useful for you Emily. The Chief Blonde
It is. Thanks!
Fortunately, I have never experienced a UTI. I follow most of these tips, so maybe that is why!
Oh Rebekah, that’s great! Shelley
Drink cranberry juice & lots of water.
I agree with both of your tips as well. The CHief BLonde
UTI’S are miserable. I used to get them often…. urinating after intercourse is essential.
It makes all the difference for me Danielle. The Chief Blonde
I praying by the time I reach this age of menopause I won’t have that problem at all.
Just follow the tips and your chances will be a lot better CR. The Chief Blonde
Thank God I have not had a UTI since 1993 (knock wood). I am not quite menopausal yet, so I will just pray I don’t have to go there when I am. I always found phenazopyridine HCI to be a phenomenal help when I did get UTIs and I think it is great that Uristat has a test kit now available as well!!
Yes I think the kit is a great idea Teressa. Shelley
I feel fortunate not to have had a UTI so far, since I am 62 years old and a prime candidate for one. I like learning all I can to remain healthy as possible.
Smart Gail. Shelley
Thank you SO Much for this information! Seriously I had one the other day and did NOT want to go to the doctor – too much time out of my work schedule. Luckily – it did not last but a day or two so maybe it was not a full fledged UTI but it sure felt like it while I had it going on.
I am glad to know this product exists and will have to print this out after I buy ink this weekend!
Thanks again!
it’s a great offer Joely. Shelley
Good bacteria dies off? Figures. Back to humming “I Feel Pretty.”
Lklonsky yeah isn’t it just great? LOL. The Chief BLonde
I find cranberry juice helpful
Me too Laura. The CHief BLonde
This was a very informative article and I learned a lot from it. Thanks for the information.
You are welcome Deborah. The Chief BLonde
I am Post menopausal and I still get the occasional UTIS. I Usually got to my Dr. and he prescribes me medication to take..
Yes , the trip to the doctor is essential here. The Chief Blonde
Great tips! This does seem to be a problem when going through menopause.
You know it Lisa. The Chief Blonde
Urinating after intercourse is a great way to avoid a UTI, that’s an excellent tip. I’ve never had to deal with a UTI, yet, but I try to support urinary tract health with cranberry juice and other supplements.
Cranberry juice really helps me too Jeanna. Shelley