Before menopause, the ovaries produce estrogen. Among its many effects, estrogen allows the good bacteria in the vagina to produce an acid called lactic acid. This acidic environment helps protect the vagina against yeast infections, bacterial infections and some viruses.

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After menopause, estrogen production decreases, the acidic barrier in the vagina is lost, and germs are able to invade the vagina and bladder, often resulting in urinary tract infections.

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Our practice treats women with recurrent urinary tract infections (defined as two in six months or three in one year) with:

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• Daily prophylactic antibiotics for four to six months

• Vaginal estrogen to acidify the vagina

• Cranberry pills or juice daily to prevent coliform bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall