If you thought that urinary tract infections only affect the bladder, think again. Such an infection can affect any part of the urinary tract and this can include the ureters, the bladder, the urethra and the kidneys, yes, even the kidneys aren’t safe during a UTI.
Infection causing bacteria like E.coli can attach to the lining of the urinary tract, dodge the immune system, and start colonizing the area rapidly. This colony can then give rise to painful symptoms that make going to the loo a difficult trip.
You’d be surprised to learn that UTIs are extremely common in women, so much so that around 60% of women will experience a UTI at least once in their lifetime.
It all comes down to the anatomical differences between men and women.
A shorter urethra in women makes it easier for bacteria to cover the distance more quickly and mark their territory successfully.
So while UTIs might sound like a minor issue, they can quickly turn into an uncomfortable and serious issue.
But where does menopause come in here? Let’s find out.
The link between UTI and menopause
During menopause, the production of the female sex hormone ‘estrogen’ plummets. As soon as estrogen levels go down, the vaginal tissues experience excessive thinning. They become drier and less elastic than usual, and this prompts the ‘bad bacteria’ to enter the bladder without any pushback.
You’d be surprised to learn that low estrogen levels can also have an effect on the microbiome of the vagina. Estrogen decline reduces the number of good bacteria, also called lactobacilli, whichnormally compete withinfection causing bacteria. Without estrogen, infection causing bacteria find it easier to multiply and take control of the bladder and vaginal regions. This is why some women explore options like HRT online medication, including vaginal estrogen creams, to help maintain a healthier environment down there.
Moreover, muscle loss around the pelvic floor can weaken it and this can lead to incomplete bladder emptying. As a result, bacteria start multiplying within the bladder, paving the way for a urinary tract infection.
Some symptoms you need to look out for
Now that we understand how UTIs occur, let’s look at the symptoms one experiences and when to seek treatment from a qualified professional.
- A burning sensation during urination
- Foul smelling urine
- Cloudy urine
- Urge incontinence
- Stress incontinence
- Hematuria – blood in urine
Prevention
Since women in their 50s are at a higher risk of contracting UTIs, learning preventive tips will always be helpful in this case.
Stay hydrated
Make sure to drink enough water with the right mix of electrolytes so that you can flush out the infection causing bacteria and prevent them from multiplying in the bladder.
Don’t forget to urinate before and after sexual activity
Your risk of transferring bad bacteria from the vaginal region to the urethra increases manifold when you engage in sexual activity. So make sure you go to the loo both before and after engaging in intercourse so that your urethra stays clean.
Wiping from back to front is not the way to go
E.coli resides in the rectum or anal region and finds it easier to infect the urinary tract when you wipe from back to front, especially after you poop. This is why front to back wiping should always be the standard to lower the risk of UTI contraction.
Ditch the bathtub and hop in the shower
This hygiene practice will help you lower your chances of contracting a UTI. Bathtub water can easily become contaminated with dirt, dead skin cells, and, you guessed it right, bacteria. This makes it easier for the culprits to move into your urinary tract and claim it as their own.
Opting to take showers instead of relaxing in a bathtub can prevent bacteria from settling near the urethral opening.
Douching is not safe for you
If you think douching will keep the bad bacteria out, think again. Douching can do more harm than good as it washes away the healthy flora of your vagina. This imbalance creates a breeding ground for bacterial infection which leads to UTIs.
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that creates an acidic environment to help the good bacteria flourish. Just use some warm water and unscented soap on the external genital area and you’ll be good to go.
Treatment
If you still contracted a UTI, you must be wondering, ‘Now what?’
Well, there are certain treatment options you can turn to in case of a UTI.
Vaginal estrogen cream
These creams can both treat and prevent bacterial infection in the urinary tract. They do so by replenishing estrogen around the vagina, lowering vaginal pH, and helping good bacteria flourish in the region. They also thicken the epithelial lining, preventing E.coli from migrating and settling in the urethra.
Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics get absorbed into the bloodstream and concentrate in the bladder where they fight off bad bacteria by targeting their cell walls, protein synthesis machinery, or their DNA.
NSAIDs to relieve pelvic pain
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed by physicians to help manage pelvic pain and discomfort that comes with UTIs. These drugs don’t treat the infection itself but only help lower the pain and burning sensation that one experiences.
Cranberry juice
While cranberry juice cannot be used for an active infection, it can still help you prevent future ones. The proanthocyanidins found in cranberry juice prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, reducing the chances of an infection.
Managing menopause is difficult on its own but when you add UTIs to the mix, it can leave one extremely overwhelmed and in pain. But there are ways to keep things under control and even manage an active infection safely. If you’re more prone to contracting UTIs, practicing good hygiene habits listed in this guide can make a world of difference for you. And if you’re dealing with an active infection, things like antibiotics (taken only after a doctor’s prescription), vaginal estrogen creams and NSAIDs can provide you with immense relief.
