I can feel it in my waters: Bladder symptoms, stress and chronic urinary tract infections

If you've ever been told your tests are normal but you know something isn't right, this episode is for you.Dr Sula is joined by Sachin Malde, Consultant Urologist specialising in bladder pain, chronic UTIs and incontinence, and Clare Bourne, specialist pelvic health physiotherapist, author of Strong Foundations and expert in complex pelvic presentations. Two of the most thoughtful clinicians working in this space.Together, they unpick why recurrent urinary tract infections are so commonly missed, misunderstood and mismanaged and what's actually going on in your body when symptoms refuse to budge.Dr Sula shares her own experience of unexplained bladder symptoms that spiralled during a period of major life stress, exploring the role of the mind body connection and clarifying why these very real psychobiological processes doesn’t mean symptoms are all in your head. Here's some of what you'll take away:Why a negative test doesn't mean nothing is wrong: Understanding the real limitations of dipstick testing and why your symptoms deserve a closer lookHow your nervous system keeps the pain going. The science behind why what started your UTI might not be what's maintaining it, and what pelvic health physiotherapy can do about itSmall habits with a big impact. Practical, low-pressure shifts in how you drink, move and think about your bladder that can genuinely make a differenceWhether you're navigating chronic bladder symptoms yourself, supporting someone who is, or working clinically with people in pelvic pain, this episode will help you feel less alone, better informed, and clearer on what to do next.For more Sachin & Clare:Sachin Malde https://www.londonurologist.net/LinkedIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachin-malde-a3a35530/Clare Bourne https://www.clare-bourne.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clarebournephysioYoutube https://www.youtube.com/@clarebournephysioYou can access references and resources discussed in this episode, fact checked and collated afterwards by our show researcher and trainee health psychologist here https://www.howwereallyfeel.com/episode-one