What is the problem? 

One of the urinary tract infections caused by these bacteria, in which Escherichia coli is most commonly found, is cystitis. The symptoms are usually a more frequent urge to urinate (pollakiuria), which is accompanied by pain when urinating (burning when urinating, dysuria). Pain in the lower pelvic area may also occur. The urine looks cloudy (pus) and is colored (blood). Cystitis is usually treated with antibiotics, but can recur several times a year. This is known as recurrent cystitis. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys.

What are the reasons for this?

Less oestrogen is produced during the menopause. As a result, the mucous membranes in the urogenital area become thinner, drier and more sensitive. The urethra, the canal that connects the bladder to the external opening (the meatus urethrae), is already particularly short in women. As it is now more sensitive, bacteria can enter the urethra more easily and colonize the bladder.

What solutions are available?

A few simple practices can help keep bladder infections at bay. The first is to make sure you drink plenty of fluids during the day - at least two liters a day. The second is to wipe yourself from front to back after using the toilet to prevent the spread of bacteria. Emptying the bladder after sexual intercourse can also help to reduce the risk of bladder infection.

If you have an infection, it is important to drink plenty of fluids to flush the bacteria out of the bladder. Cranberry juice is the best-known drink for fighting urinary tract infections. The antioxidants in cranberries prevent bacteria from the digestive tract from settling in the urinary tract. They prevent these bacteria from multiplying in the bladder and thus prevent urinary tract infections - sometimes drinking cranberry juice is enough to drive them away.

A few years ago, studies showed that the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can limit the use of antibiotics in women with mild to moderate symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection.