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Preventing urinary tract infections after menopause without antibiotics
Marta Caretto1, Andrea Giannini1, Eleonora Russo1
1University of Pisa, Italy.
Maturitas
|April 3, 2017
Summary
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, especially post-menopause, can be prevented using non-antibiotic methods. Topical estrogens and other novel strategies offer effective alternatives to antimicrobial prophylaxis, reducing drug resistance risks.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in women, increasing post-menopause.
- Recurrent UTIs are linked to factors like sexual activity, spermicide use, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
- Antimicrobial prophylaxis is effective but raises concerns about drug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review non-antibiotic strategies for preventing recurrent UTIs in women.
- To focus on a practical clinical approach for managing UTIs without antibiotics.
- To explore novel methods addressing the rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens like Escherichia coli.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on UTI prevention strategies.
- Focus on non-antibiotic interventions.
- Clinical approach to managing UTIs in women, particularly post-menopausal individuals.
Main Results:
- Topical estrogens effectively normalize vaginal flora and reduce UTI risk in post-menopausal women.
- Other studied non-antibiotic methods include probiotics, cranberry juice, and d-mannose.
- Emerging strategies like immunostimulants, vaginal vaccines, and bladder instillations show promise.
Conclusions:
- Non-antibiotic prophylaxis is a viable and important approach for recurrent UTIs.
- Topical estrogens are a recommended option for post-menopausal women.
- Further research into novel strategies is warranted to combat antibiotic resistance and improve patient quality of life.