Why Older Women Get More UTIs and How to Stop the Cycle
Why Do Older Women Get So Many UTIs?
Recurrent urinary tract infections affect up to 20% of older women due to estrogen deficiency that changes the vaginal and urethral environment. Declining estrogen increases vaginal pH, reduces protective lactobacilli, and thins urogenital tissues, creating conditions that favor bacterial growth and make infections more likely to occur and recur.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
Recurrent UTIs in older women are not just bad luck or poor hygiene; they’re a direct consequence of hormonal changes that can be effectively treated. Too many women endure repeated courses of antibiotics and lifestyle restrictions when vaginal estrogen could address the underlying cause. The evidence shows that vaginal estrogen can reduce UTI recurrence by up to 75%, yet many providers don’t discuss this highly effective prevention strategy.