The Gut–Bladder Connection in Chronic UTI | Dr. Henry Schreiber with LUF

In this episode of the Live UTI Free Podcast, host Melissa Kramer welcomes Dr. Henry Schreiber, instructor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, to explore the fascinating link between our gut microbiome, bladder health, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Dr. Schreiber specialises in understanding UTIs as a whole‑body problem (not just a bladder infection), and he shares insights on how the gut may serve as a reservoir for UTI‑causing bacteria, how inflammation and nervous system signalling in the bladder contribute to persistent symptoms, and why we need better diagnostics and treatments. If you have recurrent UTIs (RUTIs) or pelvic/urinary symptoms, want to better understand the science, or are a healthcare professional seeking a research‑grounded discussion, this episode offers information to help you feel more empowered. 

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Dr. Schreiber explains how the gut microbiome can influence bladder health, more than just one “bad bug”; it’s about bacterial diversity, immune education, and metabolite production (e.g., butyrate‑producing bacteria being lower in people with recurrent UTIs).
   
   
   
2. He emphasises that UTIs (especially recurrent) often reflect a whole‑body issue, not just a bladder infection: a lowered neuronal threshold in the bladder, immune system dysregulation, and a “reservoir” in the gut (or nearby) may all contribute to repeated episodes.
   
   
   
3. He speaks directly to patients: Yes, the neurological and mood symptoms many people with UTIs experience are real (not “just anxiety”), and while many treatments are under development, self‑advocacy and understanding your own biology matter because “biology is just weird” and there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all.

Want to learn more about urinary health? Visit LiveUTIFree.com for expert articles on the latest research, or check out our YouTube channel for a video format.