[Preventive measures against urinary tract infections in women during perimenopause and postmenopause]

Perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause are stages characterized by hormonal changes that can cause vasomotor symptoms, menstrual alterations, and genitourinary manifestations. These modifications in the vaginal mucosa and pH increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although pharmacological treatment is the most common approach, multiple preventive strategies are available. The aim of this review was to analyze the scientific literature on UTI prevention and assess its effectiveness in women during perimenopause and postmenopause.

A bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, Web of Science, and Scopus using the terms urinary tract infections, menopause, premenopause, and postmenopause. Randomized controlled trials published in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian were included.

A total of 2,777 studies were identified, of which 8 met the eligibility criteria. The included trials evaluated hormonal, pharmacological, and natural prophylactic interventions. The primary outcome was the number of UTI episodes, measured through diagnostic tests or clinical symptoms.

Various prophylactic options (hormonal, pharmacological, and natural) have proven effective in reducing the incidence of UTIs in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The choice of preventive strategy should also take into account additional clinical and safety variables.