Burning issue: addressing the risk of UTIs in midlife

The risk of developing a urinary tract infection increases as women’s hormone levels change in midlife. Health campaigners say antibiotics alone are not enough and want doctors to prescribe vaginal oestrogen to address the underlying cause

Pic: iStock

Most women know the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). We feel a sudden urge to pee and rush to the toilet, only to experience a burning sensation as we relieve ourselves. Moments later, the process begins again and continues on repeat until we take antibiotics.

Experts in women’s health now say vaginal oestrogen could dramatically reduce the infection rate among women from mid-life onwards.