Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when an infection develops in any part of the urinary system. These infections can vary in severity and cause complications such as kidney damage or sepsis (Wagenlehner et al., 2020).
Hormonal Changes in Women
As women age and become postmenopausal, their estrogen levels decline, which leads to thinning of the vaginal and urethral tissues. This thinning reduces the protective barrier against bacteria, increasing the risk of UTIs (Chen et al., 2021).
Prostate Enlargement in Men
While men are generally less likely to develop UTIs than women, their risk increases after the age of 60. This is primarily due to prostate enlargement as men get older, which can obstruct urine flow and lead to urinary retention and incomplete bladder emptying, creating a favourable environment for bacteria to grow (Niccodem et al., 2024).
Other Age-Related Risk Factors
Weakened immune system: As people age, the body produces fewer new immune cells and has less diversity in the ones they do make. This weakened immune response makes it more difficult to fight infections, such as UTIs (Ligon, 2023).
Increased catheter use: Older individuals may also experience more prolonged hospitalisation, during which they may be catheterised. Up to 80% of complicated UTIs in the United States are attributed to indwelling urinary catheters (Werneburg 2022).
Chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes become more common with age and can further weaken the immune system. People with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to infections, including UTIs (Stein, 2024; Myhre, 2025).
How to Prevent UTIs
To help prevent UTIs make sure you:
• Stay hydrated
• Maintain good hygiene
• Drink cranberry extract
• Take probiotics
Recognizing UTI Symptoms in Older Adults
UTIs may show up differently in elderly individuals. Instead of a burning sensation during urination, many older adults experience:
• Confusion
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Fevers
• Bladder control issues
(Rodriguez-Mañas, 2020).
If you Notice Symptoms of a UTI
Epicentre offers several options for fast and convenient testing.
1️⃣ Walk-In Lab Testing
Book online or walk into any of our locations – no doctor’s referral required.
2️⃣ At-Home Testing
Want to test in the comfort of your home?
Order our STI Test in a Box:
• Collect your sample at home
• Use the prepaid shipping label to send it to our lab
• Get your results online, quickly and confidentially
Head to Epicentre and select the option that best suits your needs to book.
Book Your UTI Test Today
If you’re feeling out of balance, a quick lab visit could help you find the cause. Our expert team at Epicentre will guide you every step of the way.
📍 Visit one of our Walk-In Labs in Cape Town, Durban, or Johannesburg—or contact us to book your test!
References
1. Chen, Y. Y., Su, T. H., & Lau, H. H. (2021). Estrogen for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Urogynecology Journal, 32(1), 17–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04397-z
2. Niccodem, E. M., Majigo, M., Nyongole, O. V., Manyahi, J., Shangali, A., Mwingwa, A. G., Kunambi, P. P., Lyamuya, E., & Joachim, A. (2024). Urinary tract infections and associated factors among patients with an enlarged prostate at a tertiary hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A hospital-based cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 14(10), e085580. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085580
3. Ligon, M. M., Joshi, C. S., Fashemi, B. E., Salazar, A. M., & Mysorekar, I. U. (2023). Effects of aging on urinary tract epithelial homeostasis and immunity. Developmental Biology, 493, 29–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.11.003
4. Werneburg, G. T. (2022). Catheter-associated urinary tract infections: Current challenges and future prospects. Research and Reports in Urology, 14, 109–133. https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S273663
5. Stein, A. (2024). Diabetes in older adults: Risks, treatments and health habits to know. UChicago Medicine Forefront. University of Chicago Medical Center. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/diabetes-older-adults
6. Myhre, J., & Sifris, D. S. (2025, February 28). Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/uti-in-elderly-8785513
7. Rodriguez-Mañas, L. (2020). Urinary tract infections in the elderly: A review of disease characteristics and current treatment options. Drugs in Context, 9, 2020-4-13. https://doi.org/10.7573/dic.2020-4-13
8. Wagenlehner, F. M. E., Bjerklund Johansen, T. E., Cai, T., Koves, B., Kranz, J., Pilatz, A., & Naber, K. G. (2020). Epidemiology, definition and treatment of complicated urinary tract infections. Nature Reviews Urology, 17(10), 586–600. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-020-0362-4
