This interview begins with a discussion of whether a standard urine culture is a reliable method for determining a UTI infection. Dr. Hsieh confirms that conventional urine cultures are an effective means of diagnosis for many but not all. There are and have always been those living with UTIs not revealed by this test, due perhaps to either a patient’s sensitivity to an undetectably low number of bacteria or to bacteria not responding to/being revealed by conventional testing methods.
Microbiome tests and enhanced quantitative urine cultures can also assist in developing a more complete picture of the state of pelvic health, though this can demand more complex investigations and treatments as there are instances when the tests disagree or an unusual/unknown/lesser researched pathogen is revealed.
The standard form of treatment for UTIs is antibiotics, but there are circumstances in which UTI sufferers do not respond to antibiotics. This can lead to great confusion, including the misdiagnosis of a UTI as Interstitial Cystitis. There are a few theories as to why a patient’s UTI symptoms are sometimes not alleviated by antibiotics, including the following:
1). A biofilm has developed in the bladder, in which the bacteria might not only successfully gain protection from the immune system but also from antibiotics.
2). E. coli reseeds in the patient’s gut and spreads to the urinary tract.
3). There is also the discussion of whether this bloom of E. coli in the gut could be followed by communication between organs and bacteria, leading bacteria already present in the urinary tract to multiply upon their realization of the body’s compromised immune system.
At this time, relevant tests do not distinguish dna as being associated with live or dead bacteria. Since it is taken for granted that only live bacteria can cause UTIs, this knowledge would be very useful. Dr. Hsieh and his team are currently developing methods by which that distinction can be made.
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Learn more about Dr. Michael Hsieh at www.gwdocs.com...
Check out the playlist for the entire interview here: • Dr. Michael Hsieh on C...
Bladder Parasites and other Causes of Symptoms: • Bladder Parasites and ...
Antibiotic Resistance & How to Treat Complicated UTI: • Antibiotic Resistance ...
UTI in Children & Older Adults: • UTI in Children & Olde...
Learn more about recurrent UTI and how the right support can help:
Chronic vs. recurrent UTI: liveutifree.co...
Is it really a UTI?: liveutifree.co...
Why your UTI test may be negative even when you have symptoms: liveutifree.co...
Possible link between Interstitial cystitis and UTI: liveutifree.co...
If you are a clinician, you can learn about joining our clinician referral network here: liveutifree.co...
About Live UTI Free
Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We do not endorse specific treatment approaches, clinicians or diagnostics methods. The content of this video does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. The medical and/or nutritional information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. liveutifree.com/
Post-production: Melissa Wairimu / kreativlee_