Urinary Tract Issues are unfortunately are too common with menopause. After menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract that make you more vulnerable to infections.
Why does menopause cause bladder issues?
As the level of estrogen drops, the lining of the urethra thins and becomes more sensitive, but equally, the urethral muscle loses its strength and tone. This can result in a weak bladder and symptoms of urinary incontinence, but it also means that small pockets can develop in which bacteria can flourish. A decrease in your estrogen levels also alters the normal bacteria in your vagina which, in turn, can alter pH levels in the urinary tract and increase the risk of a UTI.
Furthermore, bladder prolapse is more common after menopause. Prolapse happens when the front wall of the vagina is weakened – usually due to the stress of childbirth plus changes during menopause, and repeated straining from heavy lifting or constipation. Reduced pelvic floor strength affects bladder function because, in some cases, the bladder does not completely empty, leaving a ‘pool’ of urine, which can lead to infections.
Ways to Prevent Urinary Tract Issues Associated with Menopause:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of liquids, especially water (recommended 6-8 glasses of water daily) and drink alcohol and coffee only in moderation. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
- Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
- Urinate immediately and fully — don’t hold it in: Go to the bathroom regularly and flush bad bacteria out of your urinary tract. Make sure you completely emptied your bladder and clean from front to back.
- Avoid potentially irritating feminine products: Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
- Urinate before and promptly after sex. This may lower the risk of UTIs by flushing out bacteria that may have gotten into the urinary tract during intercourse.
- Cleanse your genital area before sex.
- Consider hormone therapy: Speak with your physician about how your hormonal changes could be impacting your risk of UTIs. Some physicians recommend estrogen supplements to help.
- Use URIEXO daily: Taken daily, URIEXO will help flush out bacteria and help maintain urinary tract & bladder health.
Developing a daily routine, with URIEXO is the secret to maintaining urinary tract & bladder health.
Break the Vicious Cycle of Recurrent Urinary Tract Health Issues with Double-Action URIEXO®
Developing a daily routine with URIEXO® is the secret to Urinary Tract & Bladder Health
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