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UTIs and Women’s Health: How Hormones Affect Your Risk of Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and painful condition that affects many women. While several factors can increase your risk of developing a UTI, one that is often overlooked is hormonal changes. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how hormones can impact your risk of UTIs and what you can do to prevent them.

Estrogen and UTIs

Estrogen is a hormone that plays a critical role in maintaining vaginal health. It helps to maintain a healthy pH balance and promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. When estrogen levels drop, however, the vaginal environment can become more acidic, which can increase your risk of developing a UTI. This is particularly true for postmenopausal women, as estrogen levels naturally decrease with age.

Menstrual Cycle

During the menstrual cycle, hormone levels fluctuate, which can also affect your risk of UTIs. The risk is highest during ovulation, when estrogen levels are at their lowest and progesterone levels are high. Additionally, tampon use can also increase the risk of UTIs, as they can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing UTIs due to hormonal changes, as well as physical changes that occur during pregnancy. The growing uterus can put pressure on the bladder and ureters, making it harder to completely empty the bladder. This can lead to urine retention, which can increase the risk of UTIs. Pregnant women are also more likely to develop kidney infections, which can be serious if left untreated.

Menopause

As women age and approach menopause, estrogen levels naturally decrease. This can result in changes to the vaginal environment and an increased risk of UTIs. Additionally, some women may experience urinary incontinence during menopause, which can also increase the risk of UTIs.

Prevention

There are several steps that women can take to prevent UTIs, including staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, urinating frequently, avoiding irritating products, and drinking cranberry juice. These steps can help to maintain a healthy urinary tract and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

TestDash

TestDash offers a simple and convenient tool for physicians to order at-home UTI testing for their patients. After the physician orders the test via text, a Care Technician will deliver the test directly to the patient’s home. The test is easy to use, and after completion, the patient schedules a pick-up and our Care Technicians transport the urine sample for analysis. The analysis is completed by TestDash within 24 hours. The physician then receives an easy-to-read lab report with antibiotic recommendations.

Talking to Your Doctor

While TestDash is a convenient tool for UTI testing, it’s important to remember that it should be used in conjunction with a conversation with your doctor. UTIs can have serious consequences if left untreated, including kidney damage and sepsis. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a UTI. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a UTI, it’s important to talk to your doctor about testing and treatment options. TestDash can be a useful tool for improving patient outcomes.

TestDash is here to provide fast, convenient, and accurate PCR test deliveries to Greater Cincinnati. To learn more about TestDash, visit us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn!