Risk factors for postmenopausal UTIs

Having sex more than once per week, a history of urinary tract infection (UTI), treated diabetes mellitus, and incontinence place postmenopausal women at greater risk for a UTI, according to a population-based, case–control study of almost 2,000 healthy, community-dwelling women between the ages of 55 and 75.

Investigators point out that the risk factors for UTI in this population reflect the health status of women as they transition toward old age.

As with younger women, Escherichia coli is the most common infective agent, causing up to 82% of UTIs in this population. Despite the findings of some previous studies, oral estrogen replacement therapy did not reduce the risk of UTI.

Hu KK, Boyko EJ, Scholes D, et al. Risk factors for urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women. Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:989-993.