Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Using Vaginal Testosterone Versus Placebo
Women over the age of 60 years have an estimated 10 to 15 % risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI). This is believed to be due to hormonally induced changes in the vaginal flora associated with menopause. After menopause, there is a chemical changes in the vagina that may predispose to bacterial infections. The role of vaginal estrogen creams to restore vaginal atrophy and prevent urinary tract infections has been well characterized. Vaginal testosterone (VT) application use in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors have been shown to improve vaginal pH, vaginal atrophy symptom scores, dyspareunia, and vaginal dryness. Although testosterone has been used to improve sexual function in postmenopausal women, the effects of VT on vaginal flora and recurrent UTIs are unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine whether topically applied vaginal testosterone cream is more effective than placebo in reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women with recurrent urinary tract infections and to ascertain the effects of topical estrogen on the vaginal pH and flora.
• 60-90 yo Female
• Postmenopausal
• Recurrent UTIs (three or more culture confirmed symptomatic episodes of UTI or two or more in the past 6 months).
• English Proficiency
• Unable or unwilling to use topical estrogen.
• Patients with history of or current endometrial or breast cancer and current aromatase inhibitor therapy may also be included in study.
• Patient on oral estrogen therapy may be included.
• Patient with slings, prior vaginal surgery or pessary may be included.