madman
Super Moderator
In this video, Dr. Rachel Rubin, a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist, discusses the following:
● While some people report a change in UTI symptoms as they move through their menstrual cycle, it’s unlikely that studies have been conducted to detect changes in bladder lining over the course of cycles.
● At the patient level, it might be worth documenting personal changes in UTI symptoms and then comparing that to elements that can be tested, such as fluctuating hormone levels. This may assist in determining which elements to supplement.
● Testing hormone levels, and pH levels, can be an effective method to keep patients motivated about their treatment but it should not become obsessive.
● When it comes to urinary symptoms during menopause—including perimenopause where patients are still menstruating—the first action should be to commence vaginal hormones which are safe and proven effective.
● If people are experiencing UTI symptoms immediately after sex, Dr. Rubin reminds us that bacteria don’t work that swiftly and what could be causing the burning and frequency is actually chaffing of the vulvar vestibule which is composed of bladder tissue.
● While difficult to prove, sexual partners having incompatible microbiomes or having allergies to bodily fluids is possible. In these cases some experimentation and detective work may be required utilizing things like female condoms or partner testing.
