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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:
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
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...
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:
Today, Kim gets to:
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?
You can also explore more client success stories on our blog here.
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...
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:
We also explore supplements for urinary and vaginal health, covering:
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
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...
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
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...
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
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...
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
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...
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
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...
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:
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/
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...
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:
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/
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...
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
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...
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…