By: Dr. Gary Bellman on March 4, 2016
After
menopause, a woman’s chance of developing a urinary tract infection (
UTI) is much greater and one may even find themselves developing chronic UTIs.
Hormonal changes associated with menopause can cause physical changes and make it easier to contract a urinary tract infection.
The lack of
estrogen weakens the bladder (which holds urine) and the urethra– the tube that carries urine out of the body, compromising a women’s ability to control urinary functions. Reduced estrogen also alters the acidity of the vulva and the vagina, which can make the area more prone to infection by bacteria or yeast overgrowth.
These urinary changes occur for two reasons:
-
Menopause reduces the amount of the female hormone estrogen, and a lack of estrogen reduces the urinary tract’s ability to control urination.
-
Advanced age, which usually coincides with menopause, also has various effects on the pelvic area organs and tissues.
Symptoms include the need to urinate more frequently, the inability to control urination (
incontinence), dryness & irritation, and increased urinary tract infections. Treatments vary and include dietary changes, strengthening exercises, topical estrogen, and surgery.
Many women may not even realize that they have a UTI because of a cluster of many physical changes associated during menopause; If you have any difficulties urinating or experience any unusual changes, a visit to your local
Urologist may be very worthwhile!
Dr. Bellman is an expert in his field and is a leading
Board-Certified urologist --- Call us to set an appointment within a weeks time. Our office is located in
West Hills and can be reached at
818.912.1899
Surrounding cities include
Calabasas,
Porter Ranch,
Woodland Hills,
Encino,
Sherman Oaks, and
Tarzana.
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