Urinary Tract Infections in Older Women: A Review

the MPR take:

For older women, asymptomatic bacteriuria and symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common diagnoses but should be differentiated for proper treatment. Recurrent symptomatic UTI risk factors in this population are diabetes, functional disability, recent sexual intercourse, prior history of urogynecologic surgery, urinary retention, and urinary incontinence. Chronic suppressive antibiotics for 6–12 months with vaginal estrogen therapy can reduce recurrent UTIs. Because it often resolves without any treatment and isn't associated with morbidity or mortality, asymptomatic bacteriuria should not be treated.