UTI's and bladder problems during menopause
UTI's and bladder problems during menopause
UTIs and bladder issues are common during menopause as declining oestrogen weakens the bladder lining and urinary tract. This can cause urgency, frequency, or discomfort, but understanding these changes helps in managing symptoms.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Liz Andrew
BMS Accredited Doctor
Reviewed: 03/01/2025 Published: 07/01/2025
How common is this symptom?
50%
Around 50% of postmenopausal women experience urinary or bladder symptoms.
Up to 15%
Of postmenopausal women experience urinary tract infections (UTIs)
55%
The likelihood of recurrent UTIs increases from 19-36% in premenopausal women, to 55% after menopause
Kołodyńska, G., Zalewski, M. and Rożek-Piechura, K., 2019. Urinary incontinence in postmenopausal women–causes, symptoms, treatment. Menopause Review/Przegląd Menopauzalny, 18(1), pp.46-50.
Foxman, B., 1999. Urinary tract infection in postmenopausal women. Current infectious disease reports, 1(4), pp.367-370.
De Nisco, N.J., Neugent, M., Mull, J., Chen, L., Kuprasertkul, A., de Souza Santos, M., Palmer, K.L., Zimmern, P. and Orth, K., 2019. Journal of molecular biology, 431(21), pp.4368-4379.
What are UTIs and bladder problems?
- UTIs are bacterial infections that cause:
- Burning pain when you urinate
- Urgency and needing to urinate frequently
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Bladder problems can include:
- Urgency: Sudden, strong need to urinate
- Frequency: Going to the toilet more often, sometimes at night
- Stress incontinence: Leaking urine when coughing, laughing or exercising
Learn more about this symptom
Oestrogen helps to keep the tissues around your bladder and urethra strong and elastic. During menopause, your oestrogen levels drop. This can lead to thinner, less elastic tissues, making it harder to control the bladder. It also plays a part in altering the vaginal pH which allows different bacteria, like E. coli which causes a urinary infection to thrive.
- Vaginal oestrogen helps by:
- Restoring tissue health, as it strengthens and thickens the vaginal and urethral tissues.
- Balancing pH, by supporting healthy bacteria to prevent infections.
- Reducing dryness and urgency, as it eases discomfort and improves bladder function.
- Systemic HRT helps to improve overall tissue health and reduces urinary symptoms
- Therapies and medications:
- The supplement, D Mannose, has been shown to reduce frequency of recurrent UTIs.
- Antibiotics for UTIs or bladder medications for overactive symptoms.
3 small changes you can make today
- 1
Stay hydrated
By drinking 2L of water every day
- 2
Do pelvic floor exercises
These strengthen your pelvic floor for better bladder control
- 3
Avoid getting into the habit of having a "just in case" wee
This helps to retrain your bladder capacity
How can we help?
At Menopause Care, we specialise in helping women navigate the emotional and physical challenges of menopause, including UTIs and bladder problems. Here is how we can assist:
Our expert team will listen to your concerns, assess your symptoms and recommend treatment options tailored to your needs. Whether it’s HRT, alternative medication or a holistic treatment plan, we are here to help you feel better.
We provide personalised treatment plans that address not just this symptom but all aspects of menopause. We take a holistic approach to ensure you feel supported throughout your journey.
Managing menopause symptoms is an on-going process. We offer affordable monthly plans that cover your medication, follow-up appointments with the same doctor and more, to help you stay on track.
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