Menopausal UTI: Causes and Remedies

Research shows that urinary tract infections (UTIs) and recurrent UTIs are common among women and become more frequent as they reach menopause. One study estimates that up to 55% of women experience recurrent UTIs after menopause, which is defined as having more than two UTIs in a six-month period [1]. 

Several known risk factors predispose women to UTIs, including diabetes, physical disability, sexual activity, a history of urogynecological surgery, incomplete bladder emptying, and urinary incontinence. 

Your doctor can help you prevent and manage UTIs during menopause. 

Can Menopause Cause UTI?

As women enter menopause, hormonal fluctuations cause changes to the tissues of the urogenital tract — a condition known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause. These changes increase the risk of UTIs. 

One of the defining changes during menopause is a decrease in estrogen production. As estrogen levels drop, the tissues in the genital area and urinary tract produce less glycogen, a substance that supports the growth of helpful bacteria. Lower levels of good bacteria leave the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection-causing bacteria [2]. 

In addition, a lack of estrogen leads to urinary and vaginal atrophy, resulting in decreased strength and elasticity of the tissues in the urinary tract. The muscles in the urethra — the tube through which urine exits the bladder — may become weakened. This can make it easier for harmful bacteria to invade the urethra and cause infections [3]. 

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UTI Treatments 

The treatment for UTIs in menopausal women is the same as the standard approach used for all individuals. Most UTIs require a prescription for antibiotics to eliminate the harmful bacteria. After confirming the presence of the infection with a UTI test, your doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication. In some cases, your doctor may want to culture the bacteria to identify the specific organism causing the infection, which helps in prescribing the most effective antibiotics [3].

UTI symptoms can include lower abdominal pain and painful urination. You can manage these symptoms by increasing your hydration. Drinking more water dilutes the urine and makes it less painful to pass. Your doctor may also prescribe phenazopyridine, a medication that soothes bladder pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce abdominal discomfort.