Featuring Jana Roger, APRN, FNP-C, IFMCP
When urinary burning, urgency, or bladder pain improves only to return, it can feel like an endless cycle. Antibiotics may be appropriate for a bacterial urinary tract infection, but recurring symptoms do not always have one simple explanation.
A new infection may occur, ongoing risk factors may increase susceptibility, or another condition may be causing similar symptoms. Interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome, can cause bladder pain, urinary frequency, and urgency even when the cause is unclear.
In this episode, functional medicine nurse practitioner Jana Rogers, APRN, FNP-C, IFMCP explores why recurrent urinary symptoms may require a more individualized evaluation.
Watch: A Deeper Look at Recurrent UTIs and Bladder Health
Looking Beyond the Immediate Symptoms
Jana describes her approach as “not anti-antibiotic, but anti-incomplete.” Antibiotics remain an important treatment for bacterial infections, but appropriate testing, treatment selection, and duration matter. Responsible antibiotic use can help protect patients while limiting the development of antimicrobial resistance.
When symptoms keep returning, Jana considers the patient’s full history rather than focusing only on the latest urine culture. Depending on the individual, that may include exploring:
- Previous infections and antibiotic use
- Hormonal changes during perimenopause or menopause
- Urinary and vaginal microbiome health
- Pelvic floor function
- Bladder pain syndrome
- Immune and nervous system health
- Biofilms and other developing areas of bladder-health research
Jana also discusses how she uses specialty testing in her clinical practice, where evidence is still evolving, and why results must be interpreted alongside symptoms and medical history.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Watch the conversation to learn:
- Why UTI symptoms and bladder pain can be difficult to distinguish
- How hormonal changes may affect urinary health
- Why the pelvic floor and nervous system may be part of the picture
- What biofilms are and why researchers continue to study them
- How repeated bladder symptoms can affect emotional well-being
- Why individualized care and antibiotic stewardship both matter
Get Help for Recurrent UTI and Bladder Symptoms.
If chronic or recurrent urinary symptoms continue to interfere with daily life, a more comprehensive evaluation may help clarify possible contributing factors and appropriate next steps.
Learn more about virtual bladder-health care with Jana Rogers, APRN, FNP-C, IFMCP.
