The menopause is associated with a dramatic fall in the production of oestrogens, which causes a rise in vaginal pH from a reduction in lactobacilli. This makes the lower genitourinary tract more susceptible to infection with pathogenic organisms. Colonisation of the vaginal introitus with pathogenic bacteria is more common and heavier in women who are susceptible to recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI).1
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/urology/postmenopausal-cystourethritis