An 86-year-old woman presents with a third episode of urinary frequency and dysuria in eight months.
A urine dipstick is positive for leukocytes, but negative for nitrites. Examination of the genito-urinary area
reveals marked atrophic vaginitis and she is commenced on topical oestrogen therapy.
Oestrogen exerts its beneficial effect on the urogenital tissue by which of the following?
A Decreasing para-urethral blood flow
B Decreasing urethral closing pressure
C Increasing para-urethral collagen concentration This is the correct answer
D Preventing proliferation of Lactobacilli in the vagina
E Increasing vaginal pH
Option A is incorrect because oestrogen increases para-urethral blood flow.
Option B is incorrect as oestrogen increases urethral closing pressure by increasing para-urethral collagen
concentration and organisation.
Option D is incorrect because oestrogen promotes the proliferation of Lactobacilli in the vagina.
Option E is incorrect because oestrogen decreases vaginal pH by preventing Gram negative bacterial
colonisation