Board Certified Urologist, Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, Offers Tips on How to Avoid a UTI during Menopause

Menopause affects every woman and is usually associated with hot flashes, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. However, a lesser known issue in menopause is the increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to a lack of estrogen.

“The decrease in estrogen causes the bladder to become less elastic, triggering an inability to empty the bladder completely,” says Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D., urologist and author of “A Seat on the Aisle, Please! The Essential Guide to Urinary Tract Problems in Women,” (Copernicus Books, 2006). “Ultimately, not being able to empty the bladder completely can create a breeding ground for bacteria to multiply, leaving menopausal women at risk for developing a UTI.”

Additionally, the amount of protective vaginal organisms, lactobacilli, which help prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to vaginal tissue and the urethra, decreases after menopause, as well.

Dr. Kavaler who is one of 500 female urologists in the United States specializing in female urinary tract issues, recommends these ways to control or prevent the recurrence of UTIs associated with menopause:

• Stay Hydrated: It is imperative to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water which promotes regular urination. This flushes out bacteria from the urinary tract

• Respond to “nature’s call”: Urinate as soon as you feel the need to in order to eliminate unwanted bacteria

• Watch your back: Protect your back since stress that affects the lower muscles of the back can interfere with the flow of urine, which can lead to abnormal voiding (urination) and UTIs

• Strengthen your core: Often, a lazy bladder (unable to empty urine properly) occurs due to lower back problem, so consider doing exercises to help strengthen your back and stomach muscles

• Take a vitamin C supplement: Take about 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C throughout the day to help inhibit the growth of some bacteria by making sure you have an acid urine

• Lubricate: As estrogen declines, vaginal dryness increases. Make sure to be properly lubricated during sexual activity (use a water-based vaginal lubricant) to decrease friction in the vagina/urethral areas

• Take an antibacterial: If you are menopausal and prone to UTIs, Dr. Kavaler recommends taking Cystex® as a preventative, as it is the only over-the-counter urinary tract medication that contains methenamine, an antibacterial agent that attacks bacteria and helps prevent it from adhering to the cell wall lining of the bladder, as well as a pain reliever

Visit www.cystex.com to view the new Cystex “Know Your Bladder Better” video series or connect with Dr. Kavaler directly by visiting the new interactive “Ask the Urologist” feature to submit an informational question about bladder health.

 We are really excited to share this information with you. Below is a list of the top questions we’ve received via our “Ask the Urologist” online feature.  If you have a question about UTIs that you’d like to see answered, visit the Cystex Know Your Bladder Better “Ask the Urologist” form page and send it in. Thank you for your support!

Q- I have Interstitial Cystitis. I need something that will help with frequency of urination, mostly at night, along with bladder pain, would Cystex work for that also?

A- Interstitial Cystitis can be difficult to treat but there are many different options to help relieve both the frequency of urination and the pelvic pain. Cystex may help relieve the symptoms, and it has many fewer side effects than many of the medications that are prescribed by physicians. It is certainly worth a try, and it is safe.

Q – I get a UTI almost every time I have intercourse. I’ve tried taking precautions, but nothing seems to work. I try to go to the bathroom afterwards, but that doesn’t always work and I usually don’t have to go. Will taking Cystex help to prevent an infection?

A – Many women have the same problem. The bacteria come from your own body, so your partner is not the source of the infections.

Cystex may help in prevention. If you feel you are prone to UTIs, speak to your physician about taking Cystex before activities that may irritate the urethral area, such as sexual activity. For more information about the connection between Sex and UTIs click here or visit the Cystex video library.

Q –Can you have sex with a UTI? Or would it harm you further if sexual intercourse was the cause of the UTI you already have?

A – You can have sex with a UTI without harming either yourself or your partner. If you are taking Cystex or an antibiotic to manage an infection, you can have sex as well. So, don’t let these infections interfere with your life, if you can help it.

Q – Why do I keep getting UTIs one after the other?  What gives?

A – Many women have the same problem. If you are prone to UTIs, you should discuss a uroflow exam (which measures the flow and force of your urine stream) with your physician. Ask your physician about going on a low dose of antibiotics every night for three month to completely get rid of the infection. Sometimes that will kick out the infection and give your immune system a boost. Also, talk to your doctor about taking Cystex as a preventative measure.

Q – Does Cystex effect the proficiency of my birth control?

A – Cystex will not affect the efficacy of your birth control pill. It is recommended that you talk with your physician about specific medications and their effect on contraception.

Q – Can Cystex be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding?

A –We do not encourage taking Cystex or any medication, either over-the-counter or prescription while you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless you absolutely need it and your doctor okays it.

Q – How long does it take for Cystex to start working?

A – It takes about 20 -30 minutes for the pill to start working once it is taken. Some people find that it takes a little longer.

Q – Do I still need to see a doctor if my UTI symptoms and pain have subsided since taking Cystex? Can the Cystex completely cure my infection?

A – Yes, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will take a urine culture so that the proper course of antibiotic therapy may be prescribed to cure the UTI.

Please note that the new “Ask the Urologist” and Q&A with Dr. Kavaler on the Cystex Web site (www.cystex.com) or other sites associated with the Cystex Web site is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a personal medical diagnosis or formal medical advice. If you have any health questions or concerns, we recommend that you seek medical advice from your physician.

Urinary tract infections are not pleasant to experience. However, you’re not the only one suffering. UTIs are the second most common infection in the body accounting for more than eight million doctor’s visits a year.

So while not every UTI is avoidable, there are some ways to help prevent a UTI from taking hold:

1. Stay Hydrated: UTIs do not occur when bacteria gets into the bladder, they occur when it does not get out.  Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day promotes regular urination which helps flush out bacteria in one’s urinary tract.
2. Protect Your Back: Lower back stress can affect the flow of urine, which can lead to abnormal voiding (urination) and UTIs.  If you suspect a back problem may be contributing to your UTIs, ask your doctor for a “uroflow” exam to assess whether or not you are voiding effectively.
3. Take a Vitamin C Supplement: Take about 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C throughout the day to help inhibit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine.
4. Avoid Feminine Hygiene Sprays and Scented Douches: They can irritate the urethra causing an inflammation that can promote urinary bacteria
5. Respond to “Nature’s Call”: Urinate as soon as you feel the need to in order to eliminate unwanted bacteria. While “holding it in” does not directly cause an infection, it can cause overdistension that can damage the lining of the bladder, making it more vulnerable to bacteria.
6. Wear Cotton Undies: Opt for panties with a cotton crotch since cotton fabric allows moisture to escape while other fabrics trap moisture (which bacteria thrives on).
7. Wipe From Front to Back: After a bowel movement or voiding, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
8. Take Showers Instead of Baths: Avoid exposing your urethra to stagnant water which predisposes you to a urinary tract infection.
9. Proper Washing: Wash your genital area before and after sexual intercourse to help prevent transferring bacteria to the urethra or vaginal area which can create a breeding ground for a UTI.
10. Take an Antibacterial: Women who have recurrent UTIs might consider taking Cystex® as a preventative as it contains methenamine, an antibacterial agent that helps prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract.  Cystex® can be taken before activities or situations that you believe have contributed to urinary tract infections. Speak to your physician.

For more information on UTIs and other useful tips on preventing one, Check out the Cystex Web site at www.cystex.com

Ultra high heeled shoes may be sexy, but did you know that they may not only be bad for your feet, but bad for your bladder? If you regularly wear high heels and also are experiencing UTIs, you might want to consider blaming your stilettos, says our expert, Larrian Gillespie, a retired urogynecologist and author of the book, You Don’t Have to Live with Cystitis, The Groundbreaking Guide to the Prevention and Cure of One of Women’s Most Stubborn Ailments (Quill, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)..

She says that wearing high-heeled shoes that are too high for your hip and leg structure can cause your torso to tilt forward, which forces your hips and spine out of alignment. If this occurs often, you could develop a “swayback,” also known as lordosis, which is a painful condition that creates pressure on the nerves in the lower back.

Okay, so how does this cause an infection in your bladder? Well, Gillespie says that this pressure contributes to “inefficient urination,” which is the precursor for urinary tract infections.

This is how it works: The back contains many fine nerves, which can become strained by lifting/carrying heavy items, exercising, wearing high heels, from altered position, etc. The discs in the lower back can also become damaged, compressing the nerves and signaling the bladder to empty – even when it isn’t full. The injuries also can disrupt or inhibit urine flow, which causes bacteria to become trapped in the bladder causing a UTI. And, as you may have read on this blog or seen elsewhere on Cystex.com, good urine flow is necessary for flushing all the “bad” bacteria out of the bladder.

High heels aren’t the only culprit of lower back problems. Back strain can also be caused by overexerting yourself while exercising. (no, this is not a good reason to stop exercising!) Just make sure to use proper workout techniques by participating in aerobic activities that give you a natural, fluid motion, such as walking, and use weight machines instead of free weights – and ask someone to show you the proper way to use the equipment. If you currently suffer from back injuries, try swimming, which creates the least pressure on the injured area.

Also, lighten the load you carry around. Carrying a heavy backpack, tote or large, filled-to-the-brim pocketbook, no matter how chic and gorgeous it is, can contribute to the development of lordosis. (According to Time magazine’s special Style issue in 2007, the average weight of a woman’s purse was 5.2 pounds.) So ligten the load by getting rid of that hard-covered novel you keep saying you’re going to read on your lunch hour (but don’t) and only carry what you need to help avoid unnecessary back strain.

If you are prone to lower back problems and find you continue to get recurring UTIs help is out there. Make an appointment with your doctor and in the meantime, try Cystex®, which is an over-the-counter urinary medication that not only helps with the pain of a UTI, it also contains the natural antiseptic methenamine that helps stop bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary tract, thereby helping to prevent the infection from occurring in the first place. For more information, visit www.Cystex.com.

Welcome to the Ladies Room blog, designed by Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets as a resource for the millions of women who suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) – whether just once a year, or more frequently with recurring UTIs.

Anyone who’s had a UTI knows what it feels like – the constant urge to urinate (with just a few drops coming out at a time), burning pain when you pee, aching in the lower back/abdomen, etc. The Cystex® Ladies Room blog was designed to help you get the information you need about UTIs, common misconceptions on causes and surprising triggers, as well as how to manage the infection (from getting worse) while you wait for a doctor’s appointment (since UTIs require prescription antibiotics to completely cure the infection, we urge you to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and prescription medication).

Our noted medical advisors will also answer your questions and even offer some lifestyle changes that you can do to help prevent your next urinary tract infection (UTI).

The Cystex® Ladies Room blog can be your resource for the latest news and information regarding UTIs, as well as an outlet for you to chat about your struggles with UTIs, etc.

The Cystex® Web site – www.cystex.com – was also re-launched with a new design and
updated information. We will be providing site visitors with monthly giveaways and other interactive items, so please take the time to visit our new site and offer us your comments on what should be added or expanded.

Thanks, again, for visiting the Cystex® Ladies Room.

Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets Stop the Pain and Progression of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Physician and pharmacist-recommended Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets is the only over-the-counter (OTC) medication that has a dual-action formula to help manage urinary tract infections (UTIs) while waiting to see a doctor. Unlike other drug store medicines, Cystex® helps to relieve the pain and burning associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI) while also inhibiting the progression of the infection with an antibacterial. It is the only OTC urinary pain relief medicine to combine a key pain-fighting analgesic, sodium salicylate, with an effective antibacterial agent, methenamine. Additionally, Cystex® will not change the color of the urine like other OTC medications will.

Not only is Cystex® used to help treat the pain, burning and progression of an existing urinary tract infection (UTI), but some doctors believe it can also be an excellent preventative therapy for those who suffer from recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). Recurrent infection sufferers should speak to their healthcare providers to determine if Cystex®, when taken as a preventative, is right for them.

Cystex® is not meant to replace the care of a doctor, since urinary tract infections (UTIs) require prescription medication to completely cure the infection. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect a urinary tract infection (UTI). Use Cystex® as directed on the package or by your physician.

Cystex® Urinary Pain Relief Tablets is available at drug stores nationwide and via online retailers. For a list of places to buy Cystex® or to purchase Cystex® online, click here.