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 biofilms
  
  
  
• What bladder fulguration is, who it's for, and how it’s performed
  
  
  
• What healing looks like post-procedure—including risks, timelines, and patient experience

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. 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 Episode

• How 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.

Host Melissa Kramer, founder of Live UTI Free, interviews Dr. Brianne Grogan, a pelvic health expert on Chronic UTI, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, & Bladder Health.

Dr. Grogan shares her personal journey with pelvic organ prolapse, demystifies the role of pelvic floor muscles in urinary function, and provides practical, body-positive strategies for managing symptoms that often accompany recurrent UTI, such as pelvic tension, incomplete bladder emptying, and discomfort during urination.

Together, Melissa and Dr. Grogan explore how movement, posture, breathing, and daily habits can significantly impact pelvic floor performance and overall urinary wellness, especially for those navigating complex or ongoing bladder conditions.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why symptoms of chronic UTI or recurrent UTI can persist even after tests show no infection—and how pelvic floor tension may be the missing link
• The impact of posture, breathwork, and core muscle coordination on pelvic floor health and long-term bladder relief
• How intentional, gentle movement can aid recovery and support the bladder during symptom flare-ups
• Dr. Grogan’s insights into balancing pelvic strength and relaxation for improved urinary outcomes

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, founder of Live UTI Free, interviews Dr. Sachin Malde, a consultant urologist with a specialist focus in functional urology, chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bladder pain syndrome, on bladder instillations for chronic and recurrent UTIs.

The discussion explores an increasingly common treatment for those living with chronic UTI and recurrent urinary symptoms: bladder instillations. Dr. Malde explains the science behind intravesical therapy, outlining antibiotic and non-antibiotic bladder instillation options, and how these can relieve symptoms while reducing reliance on long-term oral antibiotics.

The episode provides insight into how bladder instillations are used in clinical practice, including the potential for self-administered treatments at home.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why bladder instillations may be safer and more effective than repeated oral antibiotics for chronic UTI treatment
• The differences between antibiotic and non-antibiotic bladder instillations and how to determine which might be appropriate for your symptoms
• How to manage at-home bladder instillations, including tips on treatment frequency, comfort, and results

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 Alina Filipe, a leading pelvic floor physiotherapist, on Chronic UTIs and Bladder Health.

Together, they explore the overlooked connection between pelvic floor dysfunction and chronic urinary tract infections, offering practical, evidence-informed insights to help listeners find relief when antibiotics alone aren’t enough.

If you’re frustrated by recurring UTIs, lingering symptoms, or want to understand better the anatomy that affects your bladder health, this episode is essential listening.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Did you know that not fully relaxing your pelvic floor while urinating can increase the risk of a UTI? As Alina points out, “If you're not completely relaxing your pelvic floor, it’s easier to leave some urine behind, which raises your chances of a UTI.”
• Pelvic floor health is about balance, not just strengthening. Alina emphasizes that pelvic floor physiotherapy goes beyond trigger points, addressing hydration, bowel regularity, sexual function, and hygiene practices that may worsen symptoms.
• If UTI symptoms persist after treatment, your pelvic floor may be contributing to the discomfort. “The pelvic floor can become sensitized,” explains Alina, highlighting how nerve irritation and muscle tension can mimic infection symptoms without bacteria. The episode covers gentle techniques to reset the pelvic floor and break the cycle of pain and misdiagnosis.

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. Michael Hsieh, a leading expert in recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder health, and urology, to unpack the truth about chronic UTI testing and bladder health.

Dr. Hsieh dives deep into the reliability of standard UTI tests and why they may often present false negatives, especially in people suffering from chronic UTI symptoms. Together, they explore emerging research, the hidden causes of persistent urinary symptoms, and innovative, science-backed alternatives to traditional treatments. Whether you're navigating recurrent UTIs, battling a chronic bladder infection, or seeking preventive strategies, this episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone serious about understanding and improving their urinary tract health.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Conventional urine cultures often miss infections. Dr. Hsieh explains the science behind negative UTI test results despite persistent symptoms and how newer methods may offer better detection for chronic UTI sufferers.
2. Explore options like bladder instillations, which deliver medication directly into the bladder, offering targeted relief for recurrent UTIs without over-relying on systemic antibiotics.
3. Simple but powerful changes—like increased water intake, urinary habits, and even dietary shifts—can support long-term bladder health and reduce the risk of recurring infections.

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. Sula Windgassen, a renowned health psychologist and expert in the psychology of chronic illness, on the Mind-Body Connection in Chronic UTI Healing.

Dr. Windgassen opens up about her personal journey with recurrent UTIs and shares how integrating psychological strategies transformed her approach to bladder health and symptom management. This episode delves into the critical yet often overlooked mind-body connection in chronic illness, especially in those navigating chronic UTIs.

Together, Melissa and Dr. Windgassen discuss practical tools for managing anxiety, coping with symptom flare-ups, and maintaining emotional well-being while living with persistent health issues.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Stress Impacts Chronic Illness. Discover how hypervigilance and stress can amplify symptoms of chronic UTI and other health conditions—and how mindfulness techniques can rewire your brain’s response to pain.
• The 4-2-6 Breathing Technique. Learn a simple, science-backed breathing method that helps calm your nervous system, reduce anxiety during UTI flare-ups, and shift focus from discomfort to healing.
• Navigating Relationships While Living With Recurrent UTIs. Get expert tips on how to communicate with loved ones about your condition, set boundaries, and rebuild connection—essential tools for emotional and relational resilience.

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.