Amanda’s UTI story on the connection between the gut and chronic UTIs

Amanda developed a severe UTI, alongside gastrointestinal infections and overgrowths, after unknowingly drinking contaminated water while in Guatemala. Despite undergoing four rounds of antibiotics over three months, her symptoms persisted with urine cultures repeatedly coming back negative.

It wasn’t until Amanda sought Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) testing, an advanced DNA-based method more sensitive than standard urine cultures, that she discovered five embedded bacteria in her bladder (Raoultella, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Lacticaseibaciullus rhamnosus, E. Coli).

Amanda’s story highlights the limitations of standard urine testing and the critical role of advanced diagnostics in identifying the bacteria underlying embedded infections. It further underscores the connection between gut issues and chronic UTIs, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple aspects of health to effectively manage persistent urinary symptoms.

Learn more about why your UTI test may be negative even when you have symptoms: https://liveutifree.com/uti-test/
Discover more advanced UTI testing methods: https://liveutifree.com/microgendx/
Watch our expert interview with UK-based Nutritional Therapist Beverley Sarstedt about UTI and diet:    • Beverley Sarstedt  .

There is no single approach that will work for everyone with recurrent or chronic UTI. You can watch more patient videos here on our channel, or read more stories over on our website at https://liveutifree.com/uti-stories/ and consider how different experiences may relate to your journey. It’s always best to speak with a clinician before starting any new approach.

If you have any questions about the contents of this story, or if you’re interested in sharing your journey with UTIs, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch via the contact form on our website at https://liveutifree.com/contact/.

About Live UTI Free

Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. We provide research support, recruitment for research, and free resources for patient and clinician education on topics within women's pelvic health, with a focus on UTI. We do our best to provide patients with information about clinicians who specialize in recurrent and chronic UTI, in different regions. Patients, clinicians and researchers are welcome to reach out: https://liveutifree.com/contact.

Disclaimer

The opinions presented in this video do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Live UTI Free team. 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. https://liveutifree.com/