By Dr. Shannon O’Keefe, DC, DCBCN – Expert in Functional Medicine & Internal Diagnosis
O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic
If you're a woman who's had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how frustrating—and painful—they can be. And if you’re one of the millions dealing with recurring UTIs, you're likely tired of the antibiotic rollercoaster that never seems to solve the problem for good.
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, we believe in looking deeper. Why is the UTI happening in the first place? And more importantly—what can we do to stop it from coming back?
Let’s break down how Functional Medicine helps us treat UTIs from the inside out.
What Is a UTI?
A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system—kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Most commonly, the infection involves the bladder and urethra. Typical symptoms include:
- Burning during urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic discomfort
In most conventional settings, the standard approach is to run a urine test and prescribe antibiotics. While this may help temporarily, it often leads to chronic UTIs, antibiotic resistance, and disrupted gut flora.
Why Functional Medicine Takes a Different Approach
In Functional Medicine, we ask:
What’s the root cause? Why is the infection happening—or recurring?
Our approach is based on personalized, systems-based care that considers how different parts of your body work together. Instead of suppressing symptoms, we address the terrain that allows the infection to take hold.
Here’s how we break it down:
1. Microbiome Imbalance – Gut and Vaginal
Believe it or not, your gut and vaginal microbiome play a major role in UTI prevention. An overgrowth of bad bacteria (like E. coli or Klebsiella) and a loss of protective strains (like Lactobacillus) can tip the balance toward infection.
We assess:
- Vaginal microbiome status
- Gut dysbiosis or SIBO
- History of antibiotic or birth control use
- Stool testing (Comprehensive Digestive Analysis)
If we find imbalances, we use targeted probiotics, prebiotics, and microbiome restoration protocols to repair your body’s natural defenses.
2. Immune System Dysfunction
Your immune system should be strong enough to clear low-level infections before they take hold. If you’re constantly getting sick or have chronic inflammation, your immune system may be either underactive or overburdened.
We evaluate:
- Nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, zinc, B12, etc.)
- Food sensitivities that may contribute to inflammation
- Chronic stress and adrenal function
- Immune panels when appropriate
Supporting immune resilience is critical—not just for UTIs, but for your entire health picture.
3. Hormonal Imbalances
Women in perimenopause and menopause often experience a sharp increase in UTI frequency. Why? Because estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining a healthy vaginal lining and microbiome.
If hormones are out of balance, we may use:
- Hormone testing (saliva, urine, or blood)
- Bioidentical hormone therapy
- Herbal or nutritional support to rebalance estrogen-progesterone levels
4. Anatomical and Lifestyle Factors
While often overlooked, lifestyle and structural issues matter:
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Dehydration
- Sexual activity-related irritation
- Use of irritating hygiene products
We educate patients on bladder health habits and recommend gentle, evidence-based hygiene and post-intercourse care strategies to prevent reinfection.
5. Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance
Some bacteria hide behind protective biofilms—slimy layers that shield them from antibiotics. These can be a key driver of chronic, low-grade UTIs that never quite resolve.
We can incorporate natural biofilm disruptors, like:
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
- Enzymes like serrapeptase or nattokinase
- Herbal antimicrobials such as berberine, uva ursi, and D-mannose
Testing We May Recommend:
- Urine PCR testing (to detect low-level or non-traditional infections)
- Vaginal microbiome analysis
- Stool testing (GI-MAP or similar)
- Salivary hormone panels
- Functional immune and inflammation markers
The Functional UTI Protocol: Personalized and Preventive
At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic, our UTI protocol is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We develop a personalized plan based on your history, labs, and root cause findings. This might include:
- Nutritional and lifestyle modifications
- Gut and vaginal microbiome restoration
- Herbal or nutraceutical support
- Hormone balancing
- Stress and immune system optimization
The goal? To help you break the cycle of chronic UTIs naturally, without constant reliance on antibiotics.
Ready to Heal the Root Cause of Your UTIs?
If you’re struggling with recurrent UTIs or bladder discomfort and feel like you're not being heard, Functional Medicine can help.
You deserve more than temporary relief—you deserve lasting solutions.
Schedule your Functional UTI Evaluation with Dr. Shannon O’Keefe today and let’s get to the root of the issue—so you can finally feel confident, comfortable, and in control again.
