Dr. Anika Ackerman is a Urologist, Urological Surgeon, and Sexual Medicine Specialist who trained at Duke University and Columbia NY Presbyterian. Based in New Jersey, she leads a sexual dysfunction program at her practice and loves educating her patients on how they can have a deeper understanding of their sexual health. Dr. Ackerman believes it is a privilege to be a doctor who practices urology, where physicians have the opportunity to help patients improve very personal problems or symptoms. She aims to practice compassionate and cutting-edge urology and to treat every patient as if they were her own parent or sibling. She believes individualized care and an integrative approach serve as the best platform for successful outcomes. In this episode, we focus on the causes and treatments for urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, incontinence, and how perimenopause affects the bladder.  From Vaginal Estrogen and Kegels to Botox and Bulkamid, we cover the supplements, products, practices, and procedures that will help you live you live your best life.  We also learn the causes of bladder issues like pressure on the pelvic floor during pregnancy and going through perimenopause. We go into detail breaking down the difference between UTIs and IC, and how to determine stress incontinence vs urge incontinence. Most importantly, Dr. Ackerman tells us our options for all and what we can do surgically and non-surgically. We cover FAQs around the bladder including Urodynamics, Cystoscopies, who needs a urologist, and the non-invasive ways of strengthening the pelvic floor including Kegels, pelvic floor therapy, the Emcella, and V-Tone.  Other questions are answered like how D-Mannose works, whether cranberry is proven to help UTIs, and how we can use products like Uquora, Cherry Bonsai, UT Balance, and others on the market preventatively. Dr. Ackerman gives us her tips on how to avoid post-coital UTIs, why we can't self-diagnose interstitial cystitis and even the risk factors for bladder cancer. After this episode, you'll learn about the mid-urethral sling, PTNS, Interstim, and other treatments for incontinence. If you want to know more about perimenopause, its effect on the bladder, and the absolutely must-know facts about UTIs and incontinence, don't miss this episode.  Dr. Anika Ackerman https://www.instagram.com/dr.anika.ackerman/ https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.anika.ackerman   BE LIKE OUR EXPERTS AND GET THE HP MEGA MUG! Disclaimer: CLITEROLOGY is for general information and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine in any way. CLITEROLOGY does not constitute professional health care services or medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed as a result of this podcast. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of CLITEROLOGY is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard getting medical advice for any such medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any conditions.