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 activity
  
  
  
• The most common and uncommon locations where endometriosis can grow
  
  
  
• How hormone therapy and surgery can affect urinary and reproductive symptoms
  
  
  
• What 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:

1. 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.
   
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
   
3. 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 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.