Question 1

What is interstitial cystitis and is it an infection?

Accepted Answer

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is chronic bladder pain syndrome marked by mast cell activation, urothelial barrier breakdown, and neurogenic inflammation. Many cases labeled "IC" are actually driven by deep-tissue bacterial infections or biofilms that standard cultures fail to detect. At Newport Integrative, we use Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify microbes invisible to conventional testing, and many IC patients improve when the underlying infection is treated.

Question 2

Why is my UTI culture negative but I still have symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Standard urine cultures only detect a narrow range of organisms grown under specific conditions, missing fastidious bacteria, biofilm-protected organisms, and polymicrobial infections. Culture-negative symptoms are often caused by organisms that NGS testing can detect. PCR and NGS profile the entire urinary microbiome, uncovering pathogens that traditional labs miss.

Question 3

What is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) urine testing?

Accepted Answer

NGS profiles all microbial DNA in a urine sample against a database of over 60,000 bacteria and fungi, identifying every organism present — not just those that grow in culture — with high accuracy within about 24 hours. It also detects antibiotic-resistance genes. We use MicroGenDX NGS testing to pinpoint the true cause of chronic or recurrent urinary symptoms.

Question 4

How is recurrent UTI treated when antibiotics keep failing?

Accepted Answer

For recurrent UTIs, we use NGS testing to identify the organism and its resistance genes, then prescribe culture-directed antibiotics. We add biofilm disruptors (available in our store) to break down the protective matrix hiding bacteria, and urothelial barrier support such as famotidine to relieve pain and prevent deeper tissue penetration. If infection persists, SOT therapy targeting the pathogen's RNA may be considered.

Question 5

What is bacterial vaginosis and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiome — a loss of protective lactobacilli and overgrowth of anaerobes such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella, and Mobiluncus. BV affects about 29% of reproductive-age women and increases the risk of STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, and obstetric complications. Treatment restores healthy vaginal flora, often with targeted antimicrobials and probiotics available through our store.

Question 6

How is chronic prostatitis diagnosed and treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic prostatitis is frequently misdiagnosed inflammation of the prostate, often caused by chronic bacterial infections that standard tests miss. We use NGS and PCR to identify pathogens in prostate fluid and urine, then prescribe targeted therapy. Biofilm disruptors and anti-inflammatory support are added, and SOT may be considered for antibiotic-resistant or biofilm-protected organisms.

Question 7

What is a biofilm and why does it cause recurrent infections?

Accepted Answer

A biofilm is a protective matrix that bacteria build around themselves, shielding them from antibiotics and the immune system. Biofilm-forming bacteria like E. coli can persist in the bladder and prostate, causing infections that recur after antibiotics. Natural biofilm disruptors break down this matrix, exposing the bacteria so antibiotics and the immune system can eliminate them. We offer biofilm disruptors through our store as part of a comprehensive protocol.

Interstitial Cystitis & Chronic Urinary Conditions

The spectrum of urinary burden

Recurrent UTIs