If you’re feeling like you have a VIP pass to the bathroom, wincing with every trip, or just fed up with that annoying burning sensation, you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). More than half of women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, and menopause can make them even more frequent. But don’t worry—there are ways to take back control.
What is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection in your urinary tract, which includes:
Bladder (cystitis): The usual suspect for that burning and urgency.
Urethra (urethritis): The tube that carries urine out gets irritated and inflamed.
Kidneys (pyelonephritis): A more serious infection that can lead to fever and nausea—seek medical help if this happens!
Common UTI Symptoms
🚨 Burning or stinging when you pee
🚨 Feeling like you need to pee all the time
🚨 Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine (sometimes with blood)
🚨 Lower abdominal pain or pressure
🚨 Fever, nausea, or vomiting (time to see a doctor!)
Why Does Menopause Increase UTI Risk?
Your urinary tract was doing just fine, but then menopause happened. Here’s why UTIs become more common:
Oestrogen levels drop, leading to thinner bladder and vaginal tissues, making them more vulnerable to infection.
Fewer good bacteria in the vaginal microbiome, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive.
Increased urinary urgency or incontinence, making it easier for bacteria to cause trouble.
How to Prevent UTIs and Keep Your Bladder Happy
Everyday Prevention Tips:
💧 Drink more water – Aim for two litres a day to flush out bacteria.
🚫 Limit bladder irritants – Reduce caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and sugary foods.
🧻 Wipe front to back – Simple, but so important!
🛁 Go scent-free – Avoid perfumed soaps and feminine washes.
💃 Pee after sex – Helps flush out bacteria that might have entered the urethra.
👙 Wear breathable underwear – Cotton is your best friend here.
Hormonal Help for UTIs
HRT: A Full-Body Solution
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps balance fluctuating hormone levels during menopause, which can reduce urinary symptoms (Anger et al., 2019). Available as patches, gels, or tablets—there’s an option to suit everyone.
Vaginal Oestrogen: A Targeted Approach
If UTIs and vaginal dryness are an issue, vaginal oestrogen therapy can work wonders (The NAMS 2020 GSM Position Statement). Unlike full-body HRT, this targets the area directly and is safe for long-term use.
👩⚕ Common Vaginal Oestrogen Options:
Pessaries: Vagifem Low
Creams/Gels: Estriol
Oestrogen Ring: Slowly releases oestrogen over 90 days
When to See a Doctor
⚠ If your UTI symptoms don’t improve
⚠ If you have fever, nausea, or vomiting
⚠ If you notice blood in your urine
⚠ If you get frequent UTIs (more than three per year)
Final Thoughts
Menopause can bring all sorts of changes—including an increase in UTIs—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Simple lifestyle changes, hydration, and hormone therapy can all help keep your bladder in check. If recurrent UTIs are a problem, speak to a menopause specialist for tailored advice.
Struggling with menopause symptoms? WA Menopause Clinic is here to help. Book an appointment today!
References:
The Urology Foundation, ‘Urinary tract infections (UTIs)’
NHS Digital (2023) ‘Hospital admissions relating to urinary tract infections’
Luthje, P., Browner, H., Ramos, N. L. et al. (2013), Estrogen supports urothelial defense mechanisms, Science Translational Medicine, 5 (190); 190ra80 doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.3005574
Anger J. et al (2019), ‘Recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women: AUA/CUA/SUFU guideline.’ J Urol., 202(2):282-289. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000000296
The NAMS 2020 GSM Position Statement Editorial Panel (2020), ‘The 2020 genitourinary syndrome of menopause position statement of The North American Menopause Society’, Menopause, 27 (9) pp. 976–92. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001609
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