Beyond the Symptoms | An Expert Interview Series by LUF | Live UTI Free

In this episode of the Live UTI Free Podcast, Melissa speaks with Dr. Lindsay Burnett, a physician-scientist in urogynecology, about the complex relationship between pelvic floor disorders, the urinary microbiome, and recurrent UTI symptoms.Dr. Burnett draws from her clinical and research experience to unpack the often misunderstood differences between acute, recurrent, and chronic UTIs. She also explains how urinary symptoms can be influenced by prolapse, incontinence, urethral sensitivity, and even gut health.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating chronic UTI symptoms, especially those who’ve felt dismissed or misdiagnosed. Dr. Burnett offers a patient-centered approach rooted in science and lived experience, addressing the fundamental questions patients ask but rarely get answered.Key Takeaways:UTI testing and diagnosis are broken, but evolving. Standard urine cultures often miss key pathogens, yet they remain the most widely used method. Dr. Burnett explains why this happens and what newer options (like expanded cultures or catheterized samples) can reveal.Pelvic floor disorders can directly impact UTI risk. Conditions like prolapse or poor bladder emptying may not cause infections on their own, but they create an environment that makes UTIs more likely and are often overlooked.Care must be collaborative when the evidence is unclear. When guidelines don’t reflect patient experiences, clinicians and patients need to “walk into the unknown together,” exploring options like intravesical antibiotics, pelvic floor physical therapy, and trial-and-error treatments based on symptom patterns.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.

In this episode of the LUF podcast, host Melissa Kramer sits down with Dr. Nick Parkinson, Scientific Director at the UK-based Systems Biology Laboratory. Driven by a personal experience with his young daughter’s recurring, culture-negative UTIs, Dr. Parkinson’s team developed a groundbreaking DNA‑based test that bypasses traditional culture and PCR methods. Using nanopore sequencing, they analyze urine and vaginal samples directly, identifying bacteria, yeasts, viruses, plasmids, and phages with precision and speed. Standard UTI tests often miss infections entirely. Dr. Nick Parkinson shares how his team used nanopore DNA sequencing to detect hidden bacteria, including rare strains like Tinnitignum charliei, that culture and PCR can’t find. This advanced method reveals not just what's present, but how each strain behaves and resists treatment. He also explains why testing both urine and vaginal samples is crucial for uncovering hidden reservoirs that may be causing recurrent UTIs.What You’ll Learn from This EpisodeWhat limits current UTI tests like culture and PCR, and how nanopore sequencing overcomes them.Why matching the strain, not just the species, matters for understanding how UTI bugs behave and resist treatment.How this tool may reshape both diagnosis and treatment planning, including antibiotic guidance and recognition of underexplored conditions like overgrowth syndromes.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.

Guest host Jess Price, Patient Involvement Advisor at Live UTI Free, sits down with naturopathic doctor Carley Akehurst to unpack a powerful new resource for chronic UTI patients: the My UTI History Form.As a chronic UTI patient herself, Jess brings the lived experience perspective to this conversation, asking the questions many patients wish they had the confidence or clarity to ask in the clinic. Together, she and Dr. Akehurst explore how this patient-developed form can transform clinical conversations, reduce the emotional weight of sharing your story over and over, and help you advocate for the care you deserve.🔗 Download the form and explore more tools at liveutifree.com🎧 What You’ll Learn:How to use the My UTI History Form to streamline and strengthen communication with your clinician.Why listing your treatment goals can shift the dynamic of your care in empowering ways.Practical ways to approach a new clinician with your prepared form, without feeling dismissed or overwhelmed.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.

Host Melissa Kramer interviews Dr. Nicholas Sanford, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Assistant Laboratory Director at MicroGenDX, to explore how advanced molecular testing is transforming the landscape of UTI diagnosis. If you’ve ever had UTI symptoms but were told your test was “negative,” this episode explains why standard tests like dipsticks and cultures often miss infections—and what other options are available.Dr. Sanford shares how MicroGenDX’s qPCR + NGS testing approach offers greater sensitivity and faster results, even detecting bacteria in biofilms or deep within bladder tissue. With over a million urological samples processed, their data is helping shape better care for patients with chronic and recurrent UTIs.Key Takeaways:Learn why cultures and dipsticks can fail, especially for those with chronic symptoms, and how molecular methods pick up what others miss.Gain a clear understanding of how this dual method operates, including the detection of resistance genes and biofilm-related infections.Understand how to collect your sample properly, why your partner may need testing too, and what to know about testing after antibiotics.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.

Host Melissa Kramer interviews UK-based nutritional therapist Beverley Sarstedt on the role of nutrition, gut health, and individualized care in the recovery from chronic and recurrent UTIs. Beverley shares her journey from personal health crisis to clinical practice, and how working alongside chronic UTI experts, such as Ruth Kriz and Dr. Jessica Drummond, has shaped her approach. This episode explores the complexities of food sensitivities, microbiome health, histamine overload, and long-term antibiotic use, offering hope and clarity to those navigating persistent urinary symptoms.Learn more about Beverley’s work atnourishinginsights.comListen to learn:How food intolerances, SIBO, and histamine issues can mimic or worsen UTI symptomsWhat a bladder-friendly anti-inflammatory diet really looks like—and how to make it sustainableThe truth about probiotics, fermented foods, and D-mannose: when they help and when they might hurtWant to learn more about urinary health? Visit LiveUTIFree.com for expert articles on the latest research, or check out our YouTube channel if you prefer video format.

In this eye-opening episode, host Melissa Kramer interviews Dr. Shaheen Khazali, a specialist who has performed over 4,000 endometriosis surgeries, on the complexities of endometriosis, especially when symptoms overlap with recurrent UTI and bladder pain.They explore what endometriosis really is, where it can appear (including in the urinary tract), how it may be mistaken for IBS or UTI, and why so many patients go years without a diagnosis. Dr. Khazali also shares current thinking on diagnosis methods, including upcoming biomarker tests, and clarifies the differences between surgical approaches, such as ablation versus excision.In this episode, you'll learn:Why endometriosis symptoms can be mistaken for UTIs, especially during urination or after sexual activityThe most common and uncommon locations where endometriosis can growHow hormone therapy and surgery can affect urinary and reproductive symptomsWhat to ask your doctor if you suspect you may have endometriosis and feel you're not being heard.Want to learn more about urinary health? Visit LiveUTIFree.com for expert articles on the latest research, or check out our YouTube channel if you prefer video format.

Host Melissa Kramer interviews Dr. Catriona Anderson, a UK-based women’s health doctor and founder of a diagnostics lab focused on enhanced UTI testing. Together, they explore Hiprex—what it is, how it works, and its potential role in managing recurrent and chronic UTIs.Dr. Anderson breaks down the science behind this over-the-counter urinary antiseptic, explaining its dual-action mechanism, how it functions as both bactericidal and bacteriostatic, and why it stands out as a non-antibiotic option. The episode also provides practical guidance on taking Hiprex, managing side effects, and combining it safely with other therapies, such as vitamin C, D-mannose, and probiotics.3 Key Takeaways:Hiprex’s Dual Mechanism Makes It Unique: Hiprex activates in acidic urine and produces formaldehyde, which kills bacteria directly. It also prevents bacteria from multiplying, making it both bactericidal and bacteriostatic.Safer Long-Term Use with Careful Management: Hiprex has fewer side effects than long-term antibiotics and can be used safely for extended periods. Still, dosage and timing may need to be adjusted based on symptoms, pH level, and lifestyle factors.Better Testing is Essential: Standard urine culture often misses infections, especially in chronic cases. Dr. Anderson’s lab uses extended culture methods and more precise sample handling to uncover hidden bacteria.Want to learn more about urinary health? Visit LiveUTIFree.com for expert articles on the latest research, or check out our YouTube channel if you prefer video format.

Host Melissa Kramer interviews Dr. Philippe Zimmern, a leading expert in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, about bladder fulguration—a lesser-known but potentially transformative treatment for recurrent and chronic UTIs. Dr. Zimmern shares his clinical insights, research findings, and practical guidance on when this procedure is appropriate and how it works.From discovering hidden bacterial communities in the bladder wall to explaining why some infections return despite antibiotics, this conversation offers a deep look into what’s really going on with persistent UTIs. Learn why modern cystoscopy techniques are changing the game, and how fulguration might help reclaim your bladder health when other treatments fall short.What You’ll Learn:Why standard antibiotics may not be enough: the role of embedded bacteria and biofilmsWhat bladder fulguration is, who it's for, and how it’s performedWhat healing looks like post-procedure—including risks, timelines, and patient experienceWant to learn more about urinary health? Visit LiveUTIFree.com for expert articles on the latest research, or check out our YouTube channel if you prefer video format.

Host Melissa Kramer interviews Dr. Ashley Girard, a naturopathic doctor specializing in chronic UTI treatment, recurrent UTI prevention, and bladder health, on chronic UTI, bladder health, and naturopathic treatment.Dr. Girard shares how naturopathic medicine offers a personalized, root-cause approach to managing chronic UTIs—prioritizing long-term healing over temporary symptom relief. She highlights the role of herbal remedies, the importance of addressing inflammation, and how individualized care can transform the quality of life for those facing persistent urinary tract infections.Whether you're seeking alternatives to repeated antibiotic use or looking for sustainable ways to improve your bladder health, this episode is packed with valuable, evidence-based insights.What You'll Learn:1. Discover how naturopathic principles—like personalized care and root-cause healing—provide a powerful alternative to standard UTI treatment protocols. Learn how this approach can lead to more sustainable outcomes for chronic UTI sufferers.2. Get an overview of specific herbal treatments used in naturopathic care for UTIs. Dr. Girard explains their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits and how these natural therapies can support healing when antibiotics aren’t effective.3. Take away practical lifestyle strategies to maintain bladder health, minimize flare-ups, and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections—from nutrition and hydration to stress management and microbiome support.Want to learn more about urinary health? Visit LiveUTIFree.com for expert articles on the latest research, or check out our YouTube channel if you prefer video format.

Host Melissa Kramer Interviews Dr. Soman Abraham, a professor of Pathology at Duke University, on Chronic and Recurrent UTIs.Together, they unpack why some UTIs resolve quickly while others persist or recur, leaving patients in a frustrating cycle of symptoms and treatment. Dr. Abraham shares new insights into how the bladder’s immune system functions and why current antibiotic treatments may fail to eliminate bacteria embedded in bladder tissue. This discussion introduces a promising vaccine that could revolutionize how the immune system targets persistent infections.This episode is essential listening for anyone struggling with persistent bladder symptoms or searching for science-based answers about UTI prevention, immune dysfunction, and bladder health innovation.Key Takeaways from This EpisodeHow the immune system reacts to a UTI, and why that reaction may not be enough to prevent chronic or recurrent infections.Why antibiotics sometimes fail—clearing bacteria from urine but missing those hidden deep in bladder tissue.The future of UTI treatment: how a new vaccine may activate T cells in the bladder, offering a more precise and lasting solution for those suffering from chronic UTI.Want to learn more about urinary health? Visit LiveUTIFree.com for expert articles on the latest research, or check out our YouTube channel if you prefer video format.