As women age, their bodies undergo significant changes that can affect urinary health. From hormonal fluctuations to immune system shifts, these changes can make urinary tract infections (UTIs) more frequent and challenging to manage.

But why does age increase the risk of UTIs? And how can women stay proactive about their urinary health? Let’s explore the science behind UTIs and aging, and discover practical tips to maintain a healthy urinary tract.

Why Are UTIs More Common in Women as They Age?

UTIs are already more common in women due to the shorter length of the urethra, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. However, age adds additional risk factors that make urinary health harder to maintain.

Here’s why:

1. Hormonal Changes and Vaginal Microbiome

   • As women enter menopause, estrogen levels drop. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome, specifically supporting the growth of beneficial lactobacilli. When estrogen declines, lactobacilli levels decrease, leading to a higher vaginal pH. This creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of both UTIs and other infections like bacterial vaginosis.

2. Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles

   • Childbirth, hormonal changes, and aging can weaken pelvic floor muscles, making it harder to fully empty the bladder. Residual urine can provide a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to UTIs.

3. Urinary Incontinence and Catheter Use

   • Urinary incontinence and catheter use become more common with age, both of which increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract.

4. Weakened Immune Response

   • The body’s immune response naturally declines with age, reducing its ability to fight infections, including UTIs.

5. Underlying Health Conditions

   • Conditions like diabetes, obesity, or reduced mobility can also heighten the risk of UTIs by compromising bladder function or immune health.

Recognizing UTI Symptoms in Older Women

While younger women often experience classic UTI symptoms like burning urination or increased frequency, older women may exhibit more subtle signs. Be aware of the following symptoms:

• Sudden confusion or cognitive decline

• Fatigue or weakness

• Loss of appetite

• Fever or chills

• Dizziness or falls

Recognizing these signs early and seeking treatment is essential for preventing complications.

Preventing UTIs as You Age

Taking a proactive approach to urinary health can significantly reduce the risk of UTIs. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.

2. Support Vaginal Health: Consider vaginal estrogen therapy to restore the protective lining of the urinary tract and maintain a healthy microbiome.

3. Practice Proper Hygiene: Wipe front to back and maintain good genital hygiene to reduce bacterial spread.

4. Empty Your Bladder Completely: Avoid holding in urine for long periods and try to fully empty your bladder.

5. Choose Supplements Like Protect+: Natural supplements, like Protect+ Urinary Care from Finally Her Health, offer additional support with science-backed ingredients to reduce UTI recurrence.

Why Protect+ is Designed for Women’s Urinary Health

At Finally Her Health, we understand the frustration of recurrent UTIs. That’s why we developed Protect+ Urinary Care to empower women with a proactive solution.

Protect+ contains a powerful combination of ingredients like:

• D-Mannose: Helps flush out bacteria before they can adhere to the bladder wall.

• Chondroitin Sulfate: Strengthens the bladder lining, creating a protective barrier against infections.

• Quercetin: A potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation and supports immune function.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Promotes tissue repair and urinary tract health.

• Turmeric (Curcumin): A natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredient that soothes irritation and supports bladder health.

Together, these ingredients work to support bladder health, prevent bacterial growth, and reduce inflammation without the risks of overusing antibiotics.

Final Thoughts

Aging doesn’t have to mean accepting UTIs as an inevitable part of life. By making informed choices and supporting your body with solutions like Protect+, you can maintain control of your urinary health and embrace each stage of life with confidence.

References

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2. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.169.5247&rep=rep1&type=pdf
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4585427/
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