The Menopaus’ull team were pleased to attend the recent Spire Urology and Cystitis in Menopause discussion, an insightful evening dedicated to women’s urological health, especially during and after the menopause.
The event brought together healthcare professionals, support workers, and community members to discuss issues that affect a significant proportion of women, yet are often overlooked or dismissed. One key takeaway from the evening was a striking fact: 50% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) at some point in their lives, and many may face recurrent infections within just six months of the first.
The discussion explored the many factors that increase the risk of UTIs, including hormonal changes in menopause, increased sexual activity, a history of UTIs, previous antibiotic use (which can disrupt the balance of normal perineal and bowel flora), and untreated co-morbidities (the condition of having 2 or more diseases at the same time). These insights reinforced the importance of understanding individual risk factors and seeking medical support early.
Importantly, the session provided guidance on preventative measures that women can take to protect their bladder health, including:
- Drinking at least 2 litres of water a day to flush out bacteria.
- Choosing sugar-free cranberry juice or summer fruits squash, which may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
- Incorporating fibre into your diet to promote gut health and reduce constipation, which can contribute to urinary problems.
- Using probiotics, which help restore healthy bacteria in the gut and urinary tract.
- Taking D-Mannose, a natural sugar that helps prevent E. coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder lining.
- Methenamine, a urinary antiseptic that may help reduce recurrence.
- Local oestrogen treatments, which can support the vaginal and urinary tissues post-menopause, reducing dryness and lowering infection risk.
The clear message from the evening was that cystitis and bladder issues should never be accepted as an inevitable part of ageing. Support and treatment options are available, and early intervention can make a significant difference in quality of life.
We’d like to extend a big thank you to Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital for hosting such a valuable session. Events like this help to break the stigma surrounding women’s health and give people the knowledge and confidence to speak up and seek help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with bladder-related symptoms or recurrent UTIs, please don’t suffer in silence, support is out there. Speak to your GP or a healthcare professional. You are not alone.
Spire Hull and East Riding Hospital will also be hosting a Menopause Cafe on 19th August at 6pm, for more information click here Spire Hull and East Riding Menopause Café – Menopause Matters, Let’s Talk – MNetwork
