The Heal your Bladder Podcast

The Heal your Bladder Podcast

Download on the App Store

The Heal your Bladder Podcast episodes

  • Ep 14. Chronic UTIs & Bladder Pain: How NLP & Mindset Tools Can Help You Heal

    If you’re dealing with chronic UTIs or IC and wondering if you’ll ever break free from bladder pain, this episode will help you understand how you can take back control.

    If you’ve found yourself stuck in mental checklists of “bladder-safe” foods, or overthinking bladder sensations, you’re not alone. In this conversation, we explore how fear, beliefs, and the nervous system can keep symptoms going, even after infection is gone.

    I’m joined by Nutritional Therapist and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) practitioner Karen Mannion to unpack how our thoughts, beliefs, and internal dialogue shape chronic UTI symptoms and bladder pain.

    We explore how the mind–body connection plays a key role in healing, alongside the right nutrition, support, and deeper investigation.

    Inside this episode, we uncover:

    • How beliefs about food and symptoms can become embedded and why they can trigger real physical reactions
    • The link between fear, hyper-vigilance, and bladder flares
    • Why restrictive diets don’t always lead to relief
    • How NLP can help reframe limiting beliefs like “I’ll never get better”
    • Practical tools to retrain the mind and reduce symptom anxiety

    Karen also guides you through a visualisation to help you connect with your future self (the version of you who has already healed) and begin shifting your focus towards the outcomes you do want.

    This is a powerful conversation that will help you step out of fear and move towards the version of life you want for yourself.

    02:15 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

    04:15 The Role of NLP in Healing

    09:30 Challenging Food Fears and Beliefs

    15:46 The Power of Language in Healing

    22:40 Practicing New Beliefs and Mindsets

    29:47 Managing Stress and Its Impact on Health

    37:12 Finding Your Healing Routine

    39:30 Uncovering Subconscious Beliefs and Chronic Pain

    45:19 Guided Visualisation for Healing

    57:44 Reintroducing Foods with Confidence

    1:02:44 Shifting Limiting Beliefs

    1:08:54 Empowering Mindset for Healing

    • For more on the mind–body side of healing, listen to Episode 7 with Rachel Gofman.
    • For more resources related to today's episode, click here for the podcast episode page. 
    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    1 hr 14 min
  • Ep 13. Healing Interstitial Cystitis (IC) & Bladder Pain - How Kim Got Her Life Back

    If you’re struggling with chronic UTIs, interstitial cystitis (IC), or ongoing bladder pain, and feel anxious about food or stuck in restrictive diets, this episode will help you see a different way forward.

    Kim came into the Heal Your Bladder programme following the IC diet, feeling fearful of food and unsure what she could safely eat. Despite doing everything “right,” her bladder and gut symptoms weren’t improving.

    In this episode, she shares how she moved from restriction and fear… to real, lasting relief from painful bladder symptoms.

    We talk about:

    • Why the IC diet and food restriction can keep you stuck
    • The fear of reintroducing foods and triggering flares
    • How nutrition, gut support, and the urinary microbiome play a role in healing
    • The impact of the nervous system on bladder symptoms

    Today, Kim gets to:

    • Eat everything she likes again
    • Sleep through the night without waking to pee
    • Exercise comfortably (running and weight training)
    • Enjoy meals out with family and friends
    • Go through each day without thinking about her bladder

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing IC and chronic UTIs isn’t about what you need to avoid, but what you can tap into to support healing and long-lasting relief.

    If you’ve been told to avoid more and more foods but still aren’t seeing results, this episode will help you understand what might be missing!

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    01:04 Kim’s Journey with Interstitial Cystitis and the Heal your Bladder Programme

    02:57 Overcoming Food Fears and Dietary Restrictions

    06:09 Improvements and Life Changes After the Heal your Bladder Programme

    09:10 Encouragement for Others Facing Similar Challenges


    Resources

    Want to hear more client success stories?

    • Episode 11: Esther
    • Episode 9: Gwen

    You can also explore more client success stories on our blog here.

    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    14 min
  • Ep 12. 5 Must-Have Tools for Overcoming Bladder Pain

    In this episode, I’m joined by Eleanor Gardner, physiotherapist and founder of Pelvic Relief, a company dedicated to breaking down barriers in intimate health. Eleanor is on a mission to make evidence-based pelvic health solutions accessible and in this episode, she shares exactly how we can take charge of our own healing from bladder pain syndromes, including IC and chronic UTIs.

    We dive into some of the most effective tools for pelvic and bladder rehabilitation, including:

    • The must-have tools to optimise your comfort with intimacy and reduce your UTI risk: how they work and who they’re for. 
    • Best practices for choosing the right products for you and why this matters
    • Lubricants & moisturisers: what to look for and why they’re essential for UTI prevention and comfort.

    We also explore supplements for urinary and vaginal health, covering:

    • Probiotics for intimate health
    • Urinary and vaginal microbiome testing 
    • Vaginal pH & perimenopause: how changes impact our UTI risk, plus when, why and how to test vaginal pH.

    If you're looking for practical tools and expert advice to overcome chronic UTI bladder pain and IC, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Show Intro  
    00:36 - Episode Intro  
    01:18 - Introduction to Eleanor and Pelvic Relief  
    03:08 - Eleanor’s Background as a Physio and Experience of Different Women’s Healthcare Systems  
    06:20 - Dilators  
    15:00 - The Therawand  
    18:46 - When and How to Keep Up Physio at Home
    20:18 - The Ohnut  
    23:10 - The Kaito  
    27:31 - Lubrication and Moisturisers  
    31:24 - Vaginal pH Test Kits  
    35:03 - Vaginal Probiotics  
    37:41 - Microbiome Screening  
    40:50 - Where to Find Eleanor and Pelvic Relief  
    43:26 - Episode Outro  

    Resources:

    For more tips on navigating intimacy without the fear of another UTI and how to communicate your needs to your partner with confidence, listen to Season 1, Episode 6 with sex educator Olivia Teahan, “Navigating Intimacy & UTIs”

    https://www.marycotternutrition.com/podcast/navigating-intimacy-and-utis 

    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    45 min
  • Ep 11. “I Got My Life Back”: Esther’s Journey to Living Flare-Free After IC

    In this episode, Heal your Bladder graduate Esther shares her journey from struggling with interstitial cystitis, UTIs and food fear to finally healing from it and eating anything she wants now. 

    In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Esther, a Heal your Bladder graduate who shares her powerful story of healing from IC after years of relentless UTI flare-ups and pelvic pain.

    Before joining the Heal Your Bladder programme, Esther was stuck in a cycle of debilitating symptoms, food fear, and exhaustion — often confined to bed multiple days a week. She opens up about her hesitations around investing in herself, the fear that nothing would work, and the turning point that led her to seek a different kind of support.

    Fast forward over eighteen months, Esther is pain-free, flare-free, and living a life that once felt out of reach. Her original goals were to come off Hiprex safely and feel more at ease with food and everyday life. And now, thanks to the Heal your Bladder programme, she’s done exactly that. She enjoys hiking, wearing jeans (yes — even jeans!), and eating in a way that feels fun and nourishing rather than restrictive and miserable.

    We talk about the practical changes that helped her get there, including why she chose to go all in with food and lifestyle support rather than simply swapping one pill for another. Esther shares how she slowly shifted from fearing tomatoes to embracing the power of nutrition as a tool for healing from chronic UTI symptoms.

    If you’re feeling stuck or wondering if true relief is possible, this episode is for you.

    00:00 - Show Intro  
    00:36 - Episode Intro  
    02:34 - Introduction to Esther and Where She Was at the Start of the Heal Your Bladder Programme, and How She Found Mary  
    07:08 - Esther’s Goals at the Beginning of Her Journey and How Far She’s Come  
    08:29 - Choices Esther Makes Now  
    10:36 - How Esther Overcame Anxiety Surrounding Food  
    12:58 - The Importance of Investing in your Health  
    13:43 - Particular Things Esther Liked About Working with Mary  
    15:58 - Esther’s Healing Timeframe and Where She Is Now, the Effects of Anxious Pain Responses and Coping Strategies  
    19:13 - What Esther Would Say If She Were to Recommend the Heal Your Bladder Programme to a Friend  
    21:17 - The Importance of Committing to the Work and Embracing a Joined-Up Approach  
    25:12 - How Esther’s Story Can Inspire Others  
    26:04 - Episode Outro  

    Resources

    Check out our other Heal your Bladder client success stories, here.

    https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/category/Success+stories 

    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    28 min
  • Ep 10. IC & Chronic UTIs: 4 Lessons I Wish I Knew Sooner (+ A Client Case Study)

    In this episode, I’m sharing the four biggest lessons I learned from healing my own IC/chronic UTI naturally. Including: the real cost of continuing with the same mistakes, what changes when we stop making them, and why so many people struggle to take these crucial steps. 

    I’ll also walk you through a real client case study, breaking down the dietary approach I use to support bladder healing. Because true healing isn’t just about cutting out endless foods - You want freedom, not restriction. If you’re looking for a whole-body solution that gets to the heart of the issue, this episode is for you. 

    0:00  Show Intro  
    0:37  Episode Intro  
    4:27  A Bit About Mary  
    5:27  Lesson 1
    9:08  Lesson 2  
    12:51  Lesson 3
    16:24  Lesson 4  
    19:11  What We Can Do Differently  
    23:50  Client Case Study – Gillian’s Symptoms and Treatment Prior to the Heal Your Bladder Programme  
    25:19  Client Case Study - How we changed Gillian’s Diet 
    27:50  Client Case Study - Urinary and Vaginal Microbiome Screening  
    30:23  Client Case Study - Applying the Results in Clinic Over 6 Months  
    42:27  Client Case Study - How Is Gillian Now?  
    43:59  Summary  
    46:14  Episode Outro  
    46:52  Show Outro  

    Check out episode 1 to hear more about how I healed my IC naturally

    https://www.marycotternutrition.com/podcast/ep1-i-healed-my-ic-naturally 

    Listen to episode 2 to discover how digestion changes a foods acidity

    https://www.marycotternutrition.com/podcast/ep2-the-ic-diet-is-a-lie 

    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    49 min
  • Ep 9. Gwen was told she had IC. Now she's a new person.

    In this episode, my client Gwen shares her inspiring journey through the Heal Your Bladder Programme. From a devastating IC diagnosis and debilitating bladder pain to living pain-free and finding the freedom to love life again.

    For years, Gwen struggled with daily pain, burning, and exhaustion from recurring UTIs and intermittent bladder flares. The pain was draining. Life was bladder-centred, and it felt like everything revolved around her bladder. But when she started the Heal Your Bladder Programme, alongside other supportive therapies, Gwen found the tools to heal and create long-lasting relief.

    Tune in as Gwen opens up about how her life has changed in just six months. How she went from daily bladder pain to feeling free of it, enjoying restored energy, better sleep, and even a diet she once thought was impossible.

    Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and understanding of your body, healing is possible.

    If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or terrified that life will never feel the same again, this episode is a must-listen.

    0:00 - Show Intro
    0:37 - Episode Intro
    1:12 - Gwen’s Struggles Before the Heal Your Bladder Programme and What Led Her to Reach Out
    2:59 - What Drew Gwen to Mary Specifically
    3:26 - Testing
    4:17 - Hesitations Gwen Had About Joining the Heal Your Bladder Programme
    6:02 - What Gwen Enjoyed Most About Working with Mary 
    7:55 - Biggest Changes and Improvements Since Completing the Programme
    10:21 - Gwen’s Advice for Anyone Considering the Heal Your Bladder Programme
    12:06 - How Gwen Transformed Her Relationship with Food and Let Go of the IC Diet
    13:51 - Finding Trust and Support in Mary on the Healing Journey
    15:00 - Episode Outro
    15:26 - Show Outro

    Check out our other Heal your Bladder client success stories, here: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/success-stories 

    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    17 min
  • Ep 8. How Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause affect your Bladder and Vaginal Health

    Are you noticing changes in your bladder or urinary health and wonder if it’s hormonal or possibly linked to perimenopause? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive into how hormonal shifts, particularly declining oestrogen from our late 30s onwards can influence bladder function, urinary symptoms, and even our susceptibility to UTIs.

    I’ll share insights into why these changes happen, what your symptoms might mean, and practical steps you can take to support your bladder health during this transitional phase.

    Whether you’re dealing with urgency, vaginal discomfort, or recurrent UTIs, this episode will help you understand what’s going on in your body and empower you with tools to feel better.

    Let’s break down the connection between hormonal changes, perimenopause and your bladder so you can approach these changes with clarity and confidence.

    0:00 - Show Intro  
    0:35 - Episode Intro  
    2:08 - The Role of Oestrogen in Maintaining the Health of our Bladder and Vaginal Health
    5:50 - Thrush-Like Symptoms and the Importance of Testing  
    7:19 - Why Hormonal Changes can Increase the Risk of Infection  
    10:14 - Seeking Professional Help  
    12:02 - The Benefits of Vaginal HRT  
    14:24 - Supporting Vaginal and Urinary Health with Probiotics  
    19:13 - Tissue Integrity and Supporting Skin with Nutrients  
    19:48 - Omega-3 to Reduce Inflammation and Improve Tissue Hydration  
    20:39 - Staying Hydrated with Vaginal Moisturisers  
    21:27 - Effects of Lowering Oestrogen on the Pelvic Floor Muscles
    22:46 - Episode Outro  
    24:11 - Show Outro  

    If you prefer reading to audio, you might enjoy this blog post 

    https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/ic-or-menopause 

    Listen to episode 6 with Olivia Teahan for more tips on vaginal health, lubes and moisturisers.

    https://www.marycotternutrition.com/podcast/navigating-intimacy-and-utis 


    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    26 min
  • Ep 7. Healing Bladder Pain with a Mind-Body Approach with Rachel Gofman, Pelvic Pain Coach

    In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Gofman, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pelvic Pain Coach, to explore her incredible journey of healing from IC and chronic pelvic pain using a mind-body approach. After trying every diet, test, and treatment available, Rachel found her breakthrough by addressing the emotional and nervous system components of her symptoms.

    Rachel now dedicates her career to helping women with conditions like IC (interstitial cystitis), vulvodynia, pudendal neuralgia heal their pain and rediscover safety in their bodies. 

    We dive deep into:

    • Why pain can persist long after the initial trigger, like a UTI, has resolved.
    • How hypervigilance around perceived food triggers can worsen symptoms, and how to break free.
    • What it means to "feel safe" in your body and why this is essential for healing chronic pain.
    • Practical tools for calming the nervous system during flares.
    • Why progress might feel slow and how to stay hopeful on your healing journey.

    Rachel’s compassionate and expert perspective will inspire anyone struggling with chronic pelvic pain to consider the profound role of the mind-body connection in their recovery.

    Rachel shares her work and resources for healing chronic pelvic pain through coaching and holistic support. Don’t miss this powerful conversation. It might just change how you view healing.

    0:00 Show Intro  
    0:37 Episode Intro  
    1:39 Rachel Intro  
    2:13 Rachel’s Journey and How She Discovered a Mind-Body Approach  
    6:22 What Is Mind-Body Healing  
    8:30 Navigating Food Fear  
    12:06 Exposure Tools to Overcome Food Sensitivities  
    15:59 Setting Realistic Time-Frame Expectations  
    18:28 How to Open Yourself to Mind-Body and Understanding Language  
    25:52 Integrated Healing Strategies  
    27:18 Subconscious Processes and the Brain Using Context as a Trigger  
    33:37 Shifting Attention to Safety  
    34:49 Affirmations, Positive Thought Work, and Reframing  
    38:35 Are Certain Personalities Susceptible to Chronic Pain?  
    42:51 How Rachel Guides Clients to Recovery  
    48:16 Where to Find Rachel  
    49:33 Show Outro  

    Connect with Rachel:

    https://www.instagram.com/thepelvicpaincoach/

    Read: The Way Out by Alan Gordon:

    https://www.curablehealth.com/books/alan-gordon/the-way-out-approach-to-healing-chronic-pain 

    Read: The Source by Dr Tara Swart

    https://www.taraswart.com/the-source/ 

    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    51 min
  • Ep 6. Navigating intimacy, UTIs, and bladder pain: Expert tips from sex educator Olivia Teahan

    I’m thrilled to be joined by Olivia Teahan, a sex educator and founder of the Sx Sláinte project (slawn-che), which provides concise, relevant, and shame-free perspectives on sex.

    We’ll be tackling some of the most pressing concerns for women navigating intimacy while facing challenges like chronic bladder pain, the fear of UTIs, and perimenopausal changes that can make intimacy feel uncomfortable or even daunting.

    Olivia’s work empowers adults to cultivate healthier, more pleasurable connections with their own bodies and with others. Drawing on her background in law, public health, and psychosexual therapy training, she creates engaging workshops and resources that break down stigmas around health and intimacy.

    With her passion for women’s empowerment, LGBT+ health, and more, Olivia brings a compassionate and practical approach to navigating sexual wellness with ease and confidence, even in the face of health challenges.

    We dive into some of the most pressing concerns for women navigating intimacy when faced with challenges like chronic pain, fear of UTIs, and perimenopausal changes. Olivia shares:

    • Tips for improving comfort during intimacy for those with chronic pelvic, bladder, or vaginal pain.
    • How to communicate with partners about your needs and maintain healthy relationships when intimacy feels daunting.
    • Practical advice for those fearing intimacy due to a history of painful sex or recurrent urinary tract infections.
    • Insights into elevating pleasure during peri/menopause.

    Whether you’re feeling anxious about your intimate life because of UTIs or bladder pain, or simply looking for guidance on how to feel more at ease, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and supportive insights.

    Listen in and discover how to reclaim your confidence, find comfort, and build deeper connections.

    0:00 Show Intro  
    0:37 Episode Intro  
    2:28 Olivia Intro  
    8:02 Preparing Emotionally for Intimacy  
    15:32 Impact on Relationships and How to Communicate Changes With Our Partner  
    22:47 Self-Pleasure and Sensuality  
    32:00 Communicating With a New Partner  
    36:30 Broaching Testing With Your Partner  
    41:51 Protection and Comfort, Toys and Hygiene  
    48:30 GP and Healthcare  
    53:27 Community  
    54:48 Menopause and Perimenopause  
    1:00:14 Connect With Olivia  
    1:02:23 Show Outro

    www.sexsiopa.ie  https://www.instagram.com/an_siopa_gneas/ 

    https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/ 

    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    1 hr 4 min
  • Ep 5. The truth about UTI testing: What your doctor won’t tell you

    In this episode of the Heal your Bladder podcast, we’re uncovering the truth about UTI testing and what your doctor might not tell you.

    If you’ve ever been told your urine culture test came back “normal” despite experiencing all the symptoms of a UTI, this episode is for you. I’ll explain why culture tests often fall short, how advanced genetic testing like PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) can reveal what cultures miss, and what this means for anyone dealing with chronic UTIs or interstitial cystitis (IC). 

    We’ll dive into the strengths and limitations of these testing methods, so you can understand what’s really going on in your bladder and how they fit into a broader strategy for bladder healing. 

    If you’re ready to get to the root of your bladder issues with more reliable and actionable urinary testing, tune in for the insights you need to truly advocate for your health. 

    If you prefer reading to audio, you’ll love this blog post 

    https://www.marycotternutrition.com/blog/why-ic-could-be-a-uti 

    0:00 Show Intro  
    0:37 Episode Intro  
    2:13 Getting Answers to Your Bladder Pain  
    3:39 Mary’s Experience Getting Help for UTI Symptoms  
    6:54 Unreliability of Urine Culture Test Methods  
    9:48 Functional Tests: The Difference Between PCR and NGS Tests  
    12:36 What Tests Are Included in the Heal Your Bladder Programme?  
    17:58 Other Urinary Test Methods Available  
    22:10 Accessing Advanced Urinary Screening  
    25:12 Episode Outro  
    27:16 Show Outro  

    • Go deeper with Mary’s free ebook: How to Heal your Bladder with Food.‍
    • Watch our free UTI training: "The Real Reason you Keep Getting UTIs
      and How to Find Lasting Relief (Without Another Prescription)"
      , here.
    • Explore our short course: Chronic UTIs: the Root Cause Reset, here. 
    • Follow Mary on Instagram: @marycotter.nutrition 
    • Visit our website: https://www.marycotternutrition.com/ 
    • Explore our 1-1 programme: the Heal your Bladder programme 
    • Chronic UTI success stories: how our clients find lasting relief


    DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on marycotternutrition.com is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of some...

    29 min

About The Heal your Bladder Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Have you ever felt like bladder pain has taken over your life, leaving you questioning if things will ever get better?

I’m Mary Cotter, an expert in bladder health and a nutritional therapy…