Dr. Rachel Rubin
2 videos • 278 views • by Live UTI Free In this two part series, Dr. Rachel Rubin, a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist, discusses UTI and hormones. The first video explains that, when we are born, there are no hormones present. During puberty when hormones arrive, the vagina acidifies, enabling it to fight infection. From this point, a baseline of hormones is required for vaginal health. If this decreases, such as in menopause, the tissue becomes thin and vulnerable. The reason that hormones, particularly vaginal estrogen, are important for bladder health and reducing UTIs is that it enables the vagina to remain acidic, staving off bad bacteria and promoting good. While vaginal hormones are not a treatment for UTI, they are a preventative measure. All females, over 45 years old, excepting those with active breast cancer on an aromatase inhibitor, should be using vaginal hormones. There are different modes of delivery: Creams, tablets and rings. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may also be an option. Vaginal estrogen can prevent UTIs, painful sex and muted orgasms, not to mention the extreme pain that some experience due to vaginal dryness. The second video explores the notion of UTI symptoms altering as people move through their menstrual cycle. At the patient level, it might be worth documenting personal changes in UTI symptoms and then comparing that to elements that can be tested, such as fluctuating hormone levels. This may assist in determining which elements to supplement. Testing hormone levels, and pH levels, can be an effective method to keep patients motivated about their treatment but it should not become obsessive. When it comes to urinary symptoms during menopause—including perimenopause where patients are still menstruating—the first action should be to commence vaginal hormones which are safe and proven effective. If this information was helpful, you may wish to contribute to future expert interviews and other crucial projects here: https://liveutifree.com/contribute To become more actively involved, why not become an official Live UTI Free member? https://liveutifree.com/become-a-member Learn more about UTI during pregnancy: https://liveutifree.com/uti-during-pr... Learn about Menopause and UTI: https://liveutifree.com/uti-and-menop... About Dr. Rachel Rubin: Dr. Rachel Rubin is a board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist. She is an assistant clinical professor of Urology at Georgetown University and recently started her own private practice in the Washington DC region. She is one of only a handful of physicians fellowship trained in male and female sexual medicine. Dr. Rubin is a clinician, researcher, and vocal educator in the field of sexual medicine. In addition to being education chair for the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), she also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. Follow Dr. Rubin @drrachelrubin About Live UTI Free Live UTI Free is a patient advocacy and research organization. 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/ Post-production: Melissa Wairimu https://www.instagram.com/kreativlee_/