menopause & UTIs

I don't if there's a thread on this. I was reading that there is a relation between menopause and UTIs. I guess during menopause the tissues get thin and you're more prone to UTIs. Don't know if this is true or not, but I'm just getting over a nasty UTI - I just started riding(a newbie) an hour a day the last 1 1/2 weeks and had to readjust my seat - I was getting a little sore). Could be just coincidence but I haven't had a UTI in about 25 yrs. My doctor told me just to empty my bladder before and after riding. Anyone else have frequent UTIs????

No problem for me but have a look at this . Maybe you just need to lube up with some astroglide before you ride.

Hey- there's a whole new market for them and a slogan!
"Astroglide before you ride!"
Hmmm...on second thought that could be taken another way...better include a photo of a bicycle:D

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Originally Posted by surgtech1956

I guess during menopause the tissues get thin

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This is true, but at least in my case I haven't gotten any UTI's.

I don't know about this menopause thing. I think its been about 4 1/2 years since my last period. I'm not nearly as 'hot' as I use to be. So you give up the hot flashes for UTIs????? I might try the lube. Thanks for the article - I like www.about.com

I'm not menopause yet but I am prone to UTIs, and for a week I was struggling with a couple different saddles, getting the level right, and sure enough I got a UTI. I thought "This was the least fun I ever had getting a UTI".

Now I have a brooks and it is adjusted properly, I know as long as I have my brooks that little trouble will not be caused by bike riding!

Hi Surgtech, My gyn put me on vaginal estrogen for thinning perineal tissue, and it has really helped me to be more comfortable "in the saddle", (when I quit, I get urethritis from riding) There are hormone impregnated vaginal rings, creams, and tiny vaginal suppositories. I prefer the latter, although they are expensive. Also, my coaches' motto is "minimal chamois time" - get out of those soggy shorts as soon as you can! I also like to carry personal wipe packets(massengil) for use in sub-optimal bathroom conditions when I ride. The vaginal estrogen may actually help you alot. good luck! Tokie

Tokie - Thanks. Never heard of vaginal estrogen, I will ask my MD about it. Someone else recommended I believe the name is astroglide. Next time I'm at Walmart or Target I'm going to check the over the counter and the cranberry pills. Every little bit helps.:D Thanks again.

I think all of the above are helpful. When I first started riding serious miles I had a problem with UTIs, and my urologist wrote terry liberator saddle on a prescription pad for me to bring to my bike shop. Now I ride a brooks, but the point is that saddle choice and position make a difference. As I got older and perimenopausal, I went on vaginal estrogen (estrace) and that helped too. Then I found that I was borderline diabetic, and getting the sugar out of my blood and urine helped the most! I DO NOT recommend astroglide. It contains something that gives me urethrititis. I also use chamois butter.

Thanks. I'll forgot the astroglide. I'll check into the estrace. I've been looking at saddles on Bike Nashbar and Performance Bicycle. I know if I buy something expensive I will buy from some place that I can return if it doesn't work.

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Originally Posted by surgtech1956

Thanks. I'll forgot the astroglide. I'll check into the estrace. I've been looking at saddles on Bike Nashbar and Performance Bicycle. I know if I buy something expensive I will buy from some place that I can return if it doesn't work.

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If you buy a saddle from terry or wallingford bikes, both have generous return policies. Estrace is a prescription med you need to talk with your doctor about. Its also a good alternative to oral estrogens with what we now know about the dangers of oral estrogens.

Thanks for the info. I'll check both those web sites. I talk with my doctor about the estrace - and read up on it. Thanks again.