Episode 19: The UTI That Isn’t - Bladder Pain, Pelvic Floor & Menopause (with special guest Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest)

We’ve all been there: the familiar sting, the constant urge to go, or pain during intimacy that sends us straight for the cranberry juice. But what happens when tests come back negative and antibiotics don't work?In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy and Dr. Alex DiGrado are joined by Heather Florio, CEO of Desert Harvest, to talk about why so many people are dismissed when their bladder symptoms do not fit the standard mold. Heather shares how a family member’s experience with interstitial cystitis led to the creation of Desert Harvest, and we break down three major drivers of bladder pain, how aloe-based treatments are being used for vulvar irritation and painful sex, and emerging research on lactoferrin for menopause, iron balance, gut health, and endometriosis.If you've felt confused by pelvic or bladder symptoms that don't have simple answers, this conversation offers language, context, and specific questions you can bring to your care team.What You’ll LearnWhy bladder problems and tight pelvic floor muscles can cause many of the same symptoms, but require different treatments.How aloe-based treatments are being used for bladder pain, vulvar irritation, painful sex, and radiation burns.Why a protein found in early breast milk is being studied for menopause, gut health, and endometriosis.Tune in if you’ve ever thought:“Why does it feel like I have a UTI even though my tests are all normal?“Sex hurts, and I’m tired of being told to just relax or use more lube.”“My bladder symptoms keep coming back, and no one can tell me why.”ResourcesDesert Harvest Website (Use for Relievium, SSAB Capsules, and UTI Defense)Contact [email protected] or call toll-free (800)-222-3901 to request a free sample of their Desert Harvest Super-Strength Aloe Vera Capsules. Find a pelvic floor PT near you: pelvicrehab.com or Pelvic Global DirectoryConnect with us:Dr. Rebecca Howard EudyWebsite: rebeccaeudy.comInstagram: @rebeccahowardeudyNewsletter: Parents in Love SubstackDr. Alexandra DiGradoWebsite: bostonpelvicpt.comInstagram: @bostonpelvicptNewsletter: Under the HoodUnder the Hood PodcastInstagram: @underthehooddocsWebsite: underthehoodpod.com