Caring for Urinary Tract and Bladder Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also called bladder infections, are very common in women of all ages. Younger women who still have regular periods may be more likely to get UTIs because of their genetics or certain triggers like sex, travel, dehydration, or recent diarrhea. Most of the time, these women can lower their risk by drinking more water during higher-risk times and using supplements like probiotics, D-mannose, cranberry, and vitamin C. More about supplements is listed below. 

Post-Menopause Considerations

Women who have gone through menopause have a higher risk of UTIs because their bodies make less estrogen. There are many ways to prevent infections during and after menopause, and they are explained below. 

When estrogen levels drop, the lining of the vagina changes. This is called vaginal atrophy. These changes can include: 

• Thinner, drier vaginal and urethral tissues.
• Loss of healthy, acidic vaginal bacteria.
• More moisture from urinary leakage, which helps bacteria grow.
  These changes make it easier for bacteria — usually E. coli — to grow and travel into the bladder. 

Common Symptoms

When a woman gets a bladder infection, common symptoms include burning with urination, needing to go more often, feeling a strong urge to urinate, lower belly 
discomfort, and sometimes blood in the urine. A UTI is diagnosed with a urine test that shows signs of infection and a urine culture that identifies the bacteria. 

It is best to confirm a UTI with a culture so the right antibiotic can be chosen. A “test of cure” (a repeat culture after finishing antibiotics) is not needed unless symptoms like burning or blood in the urine continue. 

Mild symptoms can last for a short time after treatment because the bladder needs time to heal. Retesting the urine for mild symptoms is not recommended. 
Testing too often can lead to unnecessary antibiotics, stomach upset, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Some women — especially older women — have bacteria in their urine without symptoms. This is called asymptomatic bacteriuria, and it does not need treatment. 

Ways to Prevent UTIs 

These prevention strategies are supported by current guidelines and recommended by Overlake urologists: 

• Cystex UTI Prebiotic - An over-the-counter liquid supplement with D-mannose. It helps keep bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract.
• Topical (vaginal) Estrogen - A prescription cream, tablet, or ring that helps restore healthy vaginal and urethral tissue. It supports good bacteria and lowers the vaginal pH. Many studies show that vaginal estrogen lowers UTI risk in postmenopausal women.
• Methenamine Hippurate - A prescription, non-antibiotic medicine. It works by turning into a bacteria-fighting substance when the urine is acidic. Studies show it can prevent UTIs as well as daily lowdose antibiotics. 

When Further Testing Is Needed

If a woman has three or more UTIs in one year, she may need further testing by a urologist, such as: 

• A renal ultrasound to look for kidney or urinary tract problems like stones or blockages.
• A cystoscopy, which uses a small camera to look inside the bladder for problems such as tumors or long-term inflammation.

These tests can help find the cause of repeated infections and guide better treatment and prevention.