Postmenopausal women are more prone to urinary tract infections due to?

Postmenopausal women are more prone to urinary tract infections primarily due to estrogen depletion-related changes. After menopause, the decline in estrogen levels leads to several anatomical and physiological changes in the urogenital tract.

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the urogenital tissues, including the urinary system. Its absence can lead to thinning of the vaginal and urethral epithelium, decreased vaginal flora, and alterations in the urinary tract's mucosal defenses. These changes can facilitate the growth of pathogenic bacteria and make it easier for infections to occur.

In contrast, options relating to frequent urination, an increase in lactobacilli, and a decrease in Escherichia coli do not accurately explain the increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women. Frequent urination is not a direct cause of increased infections, and while lactobacilli are beneficial as they help maintain a healthy vaginal flora, their presence does not negate the impact of estrogen depletion. It's also important to note that Escherichia coli remains a common pathogen in urinary tract infections; thus, a decrease in its presence is not linked to the increased prevalence of infections among this demographic.