Why do so many women keep getting UTIs, even when tests come back negative?

In Part 2 of this conversation, we sit down with Dr Catriona Anderson, GP and specialist in chronic and recurrent UTIs, to unpack the science, frustration and reality behind persistent bladder infections in women.

We discuss why standard urine tests often miss infections, how chronic UTIs can relapse repeatedly, the role of menopause and vaginal oestrogen, and why so many women feel dismissed despite ongoing symptoms.

Dr Anderson explains the evidence behind treatments like Hiprex, D-mannose, probiotics and antibiotics, while also challenging some of the current approaches to recurrent UTI treatment.

This episode is for any woman who feels stuck in the cycle of cystitis symptoms, negative tests and short antibiotic courses — and wants to better understand what may actually be happening.

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Chapters

00:00 – Why women feel “on the edge of cystitis” constantly
01:18 – Do urine cultures actually identify the real infection?
03:33 – Understanding “good” vs harmful bladder bacteria
08:05 – D-mannose, probiotics & supplements explained
11:13 – Biofilms and why infections keep returning
14:02 – Hiprex: how it works for recurrent UTIs
17:41 – Why supplements don’t work for everyone
18:52 – Antibiotic fears, resistance & gut health
23:49 – Vaginal oestrogen and the menopause connection
25:52 – “Every woman over 40 should get vaginal oestrogen”
29:07 – How oestrogen impacts bladder and urinary symptoms
31:28 – The problem with 3-day antibiotic courses
35:18 – The study comparing 3 days vs 7 days of antibiotics
37:43 – How women can advocate for themselves
38:50 – Why standard UTI tests often miss infections
41:00 – Private extended testing and severe chronic infections
43:24 – The antibiotic that finally worked
44:06 – Why this conversation matters for women everywhere

This episode is intended for educational and awareness purposes only and is not sponsored, promotional or affiliated with any specific clinic, treatment provider or commercial service discussed during the conversation.