Why Menopause Increases UTI Risk

Battling UTIs post menopause can be more frequent and the main culprit is the drop in oestrogen levels, explain experts

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After menopause, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be more frequent, yet most women don't realize the two are associated. And the main culprit for increased UTIs in menopausal women is the drop in oestrogen levels.

Oestrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining urinary tract tissue health. As oestrogen declines, the lining of the urethra—the tube through which urine flows out of the body—becomes thinner and more fragile. Also, there are fewer infection-fighting blood cells in the urinary tract, and mucosal immunity—the specialized immune defenses present at the mucosal surfaces lining the urinary tract that include physical and chemical barriers, cellular receptors and antibodies—is reduced.

This weakens the local immune response, making it easier for bacteria to cause infections. Additionally, changes in vaginal flora—the bacteria that naturally protect against infections—result in the urinary tract being vulnerable.

Other factors can contribute to UTI risk at this stage of life, too. Women whose bladder muscles have weakened with age, or who have developed pelvic organ prolapse, can experience incomplete bladder emptying. This leads to urine retention and an increased chance of bacterial growth.