Most of the women in their life time experience symptoms of a sudden need to urinate, plus pain and burning when the urine flows. These are typical symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is a type of common infection in women and even more common after menopause.
During the transition period of perimenopause, menopause and beyond it is found that UTIs are common occurrences. However, they can be incredibly distressing and take a toll on your quality of life and relationships.
What is an Urinary Tract Infection in Menopause?
A UTI or urinary tract infection is the growth of harmful bacteria in your urethra or bladder. Usually, it is E. coli bacteria, which migrates into your urinary tract. The most common symptoms of a UTI Los Angeles typically include a frequent need to urinate, a painful or burning sensation when you urinate, the sensation that you aren’t completely emptying your bladder, and a cloudy appearance to the urine. Menopausal women might experience pelvic pain during UTI in New York.
In case you get more than three urinary tract infections within a year or two or more in six months, your doctor might diagnose you with recurrent UTIs. If not treated, a UTI can progress to your kidneys and become very serious—even life-threatening, for women transiting through menopause a decrease in estrogen level changes the normal bacteria in their vagina. This can increase the risk of a UTI New York.
Reasons that Cause UTIs During and After Menopause
Women before their menopausal stage have vaginal bacteria which are predominantly Lactobacillus—a family of “good” bacteria found in our digestive tracts as well as probiotic supplements and fermented foods like yoghurt. It is found that Lactobacillus protects the vagina by creating an acidic environment that fends off the “bad” bacteria which cause UTIs and other illnesses. However, during menopause, this microbial ecosystem changes.
As women experience a fall in estrogen levels the cells lining the vagina produce less glycogen—a sugar compound that feeds Lactobacillus. With fewer protective floras thriving in the environment, infection-causing bacteria start to get a foothold. These bacteria make their way into women’s urethra and bladder potentially producing UTI Los Angeles.
Evident changes in the estrogen levels due to menopause are the reason for recurrent UTIs in women. In addition, a change in vaginal flora is a common occurrence 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. As estrogen levels fall during menopause it causes the lining of the vagina to become thinner, drier, and more fragile and might prevent complete emptying of the bladder, both contributing to the development of UTIs.
Given below are helpful tips for women to Prevent Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Due To Menopause
During the entire menopause state, it is important that utmost hygiene is practised. As practising hygiene practices can be extremely helpful in preventing UTIs.
1. 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.
2. Urinate before & after sex. Flushing out your urethra before and after sex will help remove harmful bacteria before they cause problems.
3. 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.
4. Wipe from front to back. After using the toilet, always wipe front to back to avoid bringing germs to the vulvovaginal region.
Despite taking all the hygiene measures if you are having UTI New York symptoms during menopause, check in with your healthcare provider to be screened for a UTI. Indeed menopause comes with a lot of changes and if you are having recurrent UTIs during menopause, check in with your healthcare team to identify the cause and appropriate treatment course.
How Can Women Prevent Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Due To Menopause?
1. Systemic hormone therapy works by providing oral estrogen medications that improve the symptoms of menopause and help prevent UTIs.
2. The best way to prevent UTI Staten Island is by addressing vulvovaginal atrophy - VVA and strengthening your genital tissues. This is possible with vaginal estrogen therapy.
3. Preventative antibiotics
4. Topical estrogen - Vaginal estrogen therapy can reduce the risk of UTIs by normalizing vaginal flora and reducing vaginal pH. The EAU guideline recommends vaginal estrogen replacement as a strong way to prevent recurrent UTIs in postmenopausal women.
5. Vaginal estrogen: Many postmenopausal women get relief from UTIs with estrogen creams, tablets, or rings. Vaginal estrogen therapy makes use of 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 helps to replace your natural hormones and rejuvenates vaginal tissue.
6. Estrogen creams cost less than other options and are easy to use. You apply them to your vagina with your fingertip or an applicator twice a week. It takes about 6 to 12 weeks to get full benefits. Vaginal estrogen can reduce your risk of UTIs to a great extent.
7. Low-dose antibiotics - Your doctor might prescribe preventive antibiotics. This can be a highly effective strategy.
8. Hydration
9. Drinking at least 2 litres of fluids a day can help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can promote UTIs.
10. Personal hygiene
11. Wipe from front to back, use clean liquid soap, and avoid reusable sponges or luffas.
12. Postcoital antibiotics
13. If UTIs are associated with sexual activity, postcoital antibiotics can reduce the risk of adverse effects.
14. Oral immunostimulants
15. Vaginal vaccines
16. Bladder instillations with hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate
Frequently Asked Questions
Below listed are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding menopause and urinary tract infections:
Q1. Can menopause cause frequent urination without infection?
During menopause, many people find that they need to urinate more often. Many women wake up one or more times a night to urinate during menopause.
Q2. What are the other urinary symptoms of menopause?
Throughout menopause, the lining of the urethra becomes thinner. This can lead to urinary incontinence.
Q3. What lifestyle changes can lower the risk of UTIs?
You can lower your risk of developing a UTI by making important lifestyle changes each day such as drinking plenty of water, going to the bathroom whenever you get the urge and allowing your bladder to empty as fully as possible.
Q4. When to contact a doctor
If you notice any of UTI Staten Island symptoms stated above seek medical advice from healthcare professionals.
If you are tired of dealing with menopause symptoms such as UTIs, call Misra Wellness for an appointment or book your visit online today. At the boutique practice Misra Wellness you will find UTI treatment Los Angeles with personalized care plans tailored to your unique health needs. Rather than rushing you through appointments, Dr. Misra takes the time to listen and develop customized solutions to help you feel your best. She provides comprehensive care so you don’t have the hassle of seeing multiple doctors for your primary health and wellness needs.
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