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?
THis is wonderful for those that have UTI!
Yes great tips to help those who suffer or may suffer! Shelley
Urinary Tract infections are the worse. These are some helpful tips.
thanks Yolanda! The Chief Bonde
I haven’t had a UTI in 40 years and I’d like to keep it that way.
Oh I think if you practice a lot of these tips you will ensure that Sarah. The Chief Blonde
I always felt lucky in that I didn’t get many of them thankfully. I didn’t realize women in menopause had a higher chance of getting them.
Yes, it’s just another wonderful side effect. LOL. Shelley
This condition if it repeats continually, could need a great doctor to get a positive diagnosis. I had a former girlfriend who had gotten a bad diagnosis, and had the wrong treatment going on, and it kept getting worse until the real problem was treated.
You are so right Jerry! The Chief Blonde
I had a UTI once and it was painful, I was in my early 30s then . I hope that I never get to experience it again.
Well once you have one, you will definitely try to institute the steps for avoiding one in the future. The Chief BLonde
This post certainly gives a new light and great tips for those who are going through menopause. One day we will all go through it.
Quite true. It’s nice to at least have the tools to deal with it. The Chief Blonde
These are great tips to follow for a problem that is more common than a lot of people realize. My mom suffers from frequent UTIs and I will have to let her know about Uristat.
I am sure she will find it a great relief until she can get started on medication Pam. The Chief Blonde
It happens and it is nothing to be ashamed about! Always good to be prepared and or safe than sorry.
You are right, there is no shame but good to have a way to get relief. The CHief Blonde
UTI’s are just the worse to get! (Close second would be a yeast infection). I just came off a diabetes medication because of the frequent infection it was causing being a diuretic. Thanks so much for the coupon!
You are welcome Tanya. The Chief Blonde
I hate getting UTIs. I’ve been prone to the most of my adult life especially during my second pregnancy. These are great tips and suggestions for every woman.
THanks! The Chief Blonde
I had no idea this was an issue! Thanks for raising awareness 🙂 A lot of your tips and tricks can be applied to women of all ages to avoid UTS.
YOu are quite right Liz! THe Chief Blonde
That was years ago. But thank you for the tips.
Yes, well UTIs are a reality during different stages of life. Thanks for visiting. The Chief Blonde
Oh no. I am not getting any younger and the change is coming whether I want it to or not – so this is something I will be on the lookout for.
Quite true Robin and you know who to consult when you get there. :0 Shelley
Yep. This getting older stuff has its downside. It is much better than the alternative however.
I’m having to be more careful these days.
You said it best Sherry/Ellie! Shelley
I had no idea – that statistic is so startling – so high!
I was surprised at the facts as well.
These are great tips and so helpful in helping to avoid urinary tract infections. Thank you for shedding light on an often not discussed topic.
You are welcome Jeanette
Wow…I had no idea UTIs were such an issue. I thought they were a problem for the elderly, as my grandmother experienced them frequently when she was in her 80s. Luckily, I follow most of these tips already, so yay me!
You are the smart one. Shelley
I used to get UTIs a lot when I was little. I remember having to go to the hospital and having dye and a catheter. I couldn’t have been more than 6 but it was so horrible I’ll never forget it! I haven’t had one in years, so whatever it was must have straightened itself out. Since I’m not in menopause yet, I hope I don’t go back to getting them. Thanks for sharing this just in case.
Oh my goodness Christy, that’s horrible!
Had some of this back in the day thanks for the tips
You are welcome Rochelle! The Chief Blonde