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!
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How do you deal with your UTIs?
Great information! Cranberry Juice made mine worse. I was not drinking enough water.
I never knew that Menopause increases your risk of having UTIs! Thanks for these tips on how to reduce the risk of getting one. Although I’m not menopausal, I’ve been suffering from a reoccuring UTI for a few months now and it’s been a miserable experience. I’ll be making sure to stay hydrated and avoid using products that can irritate!
Even the most diligent care down there can still result in a UTI. Better to get them checked than to leave them alone and have them go into your kidneys.
My wife said thank u for the tips. she has gone through this yet but will in a few yrs
I do well with all of these except not waiting so long to relieve myself. I do not know why I do this but I do. I am going to consciously work on it.
I never knew…thanks
Very interesting article. Thank you for providing this so people can be more informed.
This is very intersting to read
Thank you for the information!
i had used this wehn i got cncer and they thought it from the cancer i had but i got infection form not having sex but the infection i had in thehsltpal
Thanks for the terrific review on UTI Surprise: Urinary Tract Infections during menopause. Well, I believe and so does my OBGYN that I’m starting with menopause, however, I’ve have not had a UTI. (knocks on wood) I was not surprised about what your mom told you to stay away from. I’ve been pretty good in that area. Thanks for sharing your terrific review and your personal and professional opinions on UTI Surprise: Urinary Tract Infections during menopause with all of us! I do appreciate it! Thanks again. Michele 🙂
Just went through having a UTI. Caught it early because I used one of the test dip sticks.
I’ve only had 1 bladder infection, and that was after menopause. I hope I don’t have another one.
Well, something else I have to look forward to now 🙁 apparently I am in menopause already at 49 sooooo….) I will definitely have to keep this in mind and try to prevent UTI’s.
Thanks for the great information!
I never thought about if you need to go and don’t, you could get a UTI. Good to know.
I remember being younger and always holding it until the last minute. In my teen years many uti’s and bladder infections let to a kidney infection. Worse pain in my life. Worse then the pain of child birth.
This is very helpful. I never thought urinary tract infections were common during menopause. Tip number two brings back memories of my mom always reminding. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this post. Sadly, I am in the lucky menopausal group and had no idea about UTIs during this time. But being someone who has had kidney failure I want to be as aware as possible. I didn’t know about not holding “it” so I really appreciate all of your info.
My doctor warned me of all the facts above after I had my hysterectomy.
These are all good points. The one tip I have a constant discussion with my granddaughter is #6 – Don’t hold your urine!! She does not go to the bathroom first thing in the morning. She holds it usually until after breakfast or after she has been up a while. I told her that this could be dangerous and turn into an infection. Personally I don’t know how she holds it! I go straight to the bathroom when I get up!!!