"Not yet!" - When the UTIs will not be closed in middle age

This week, the patient has unveiled two terrible urinary infections that have taken this summer during the holidays. She is in her 50s, after menopause and healthy. Having sex with your partner, she woke up with burning and painful urination. She was treated for a urinary tract infection with antibiotics and felt better within a few days.  

She did very well for two weeks, until they have sex again, when the same symptoms again. Although antibiotics have worked yet, and rapidly, at this point, it was consumed by the whole thing. He was unable to enjoy their holiday, and she was afraid to have sex. It took weeks before she feels normal "there".

If this sounds familiar, then maybe you suffer from recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Recurrent UTI was defined as one of three episodes of infection in the previous 12 months or two episodes in the last 6 months.

Recurrent urinary tract infections are common in young healthy men and middle-aged women in good health. Here's why. There are many types of bacteria that normally live in the vagina and happily coexist. And they hold each other in check, like a mini-ecosystem. The hormone estrogen helps "good" bacteria called Lactobacillus flourish. These bacteria produce acid, which lowers the pH in the vagina, which helps keep the "bad" bacteria in check.

For young women, the frequent sex is one of the greatest risk factors for a urinary tract infection. Sex can cause bacteria in the vagina and the rectum to enter the urinary tract because they are neighbors. But in middle age, the main culprits of recurrent urinary tract infections are physical changes, including thinning of the vaginal mucosa, pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence and problems with bladder emptying. Lower levels of estrogen after menopause are also a factor.

There are effective prevention strategies for healthy women in their forties who are struggling with recurrent urinary tract infections. A good place to start is with urination habits. When sitting on the toilet, make you as comfortable as possible in a relaxed sitting position (not squat). Start urine flow by relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, instead of difficulty urinating. Allow enough time to completely empty the bladder time. Also empty the bladder after intercourse.  

This can help eliminate bacteria that may have been introduced into the urinary tract during sex. Some studies suggest that blueberry extract can help prevent urinary tract infections by reducing the "stickiness" of bacteria. I prefer supplements cranberry juice cranberry, which tends to be very high in sugar and calories.

Estrogen creams or vaginal rings can help restore the normal bacterial balance of the vagina. Ask your doctor before taking preventive antibiotics or after sex, or regularly at a low dose. Your doctor may also check to see if you have pelvic organ prolapse, which may be associated with an inability to empty the bladder completely.

Support your bladder health, and not let recurrent urinary tract infections in the way of your active life. If you are struggling with recurrent urinary tract infection, see your doctor for a thorough examination - and I know that this condition is entirely preventable and easily treatable once.

By: Hope Ricciotti, MD.