Posted on November 20th, 2025

 

Burning when you pee? Pelvic pressure that won’t quit?

 

It might be a UTI, or maybe it’s GSM, which is a lesser-known but common condition tied to menopause.

 

The symptoms can look similar on the surface, but the causes (and treatments) are completely different.

 

Getting the right answer matters. That’s where pelvic therapy comes in. It helps connect the dots, so you're not stuck guessing or treating the wrong thing.

 

Keep on reading as we’re breaking it all down next.

 

The Differences Between GSM and UTI

Getting real relief starts with knowing what you're actually dealing with. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) may share some symptoms, but they’re not the same thing, and treating them like they are usually backfires.

 

Let’s break them down. A UTI is a bacterial infection in the urinary system, usually the bladder or urethra. Most of the time, it’s caused by E. coli sneaking into places it shouldn’t be. It brings on symptoms like frequent urination, burning when you pee, cloudy urine, and pelvic pain. They’re common, especially in women, and usually caught with a simple urine test. Left untreated, though, a UTI can crawl up to the kidneys and get more serious fast.

 

GSM, alternatively, isn’t an infection. It’s a group of symptoms triggered by low estrogen during or after menopause. As hormone levels drop, vaginal tissue gets thinner, drier, and more sensitive. That shift often brings on symptoms that can feel a lot like a UTI with feelings of burning, urgency, and discomfort, but with no bacteria involved.

 

Here are a few key differences to help tell them apart:

• Cause: UTIs are bacterial; GSM is hormonal.

• Timing: UTIs can happen at any age; GSM usually appears during or after menopause.

• Treatment: UTIs need antibiotics. GSM is treated with estrogen therapy or other hormone-based care.

• Testing: UTIs show up on a urine test. GSM usually doesn't.

What makes this tricky is how easily the two can be confused. It's not uncommon for someone to be treated for repeated UTIs when, in reality, GSM is quietly causing the symptoms. That kind of mix-up can drag out the discomfort and delay the right care.

 

A proper diagnosis means fewer missteps and faster relief. It starts with looking at your medical history, figuring out your current symptoms, and in some cases, running lab tests. That’s where pelvic therapy may come into the picture. When used correctly, it helps support a more accurate diagnosis and a care plan that actually fits what your body needs.

 

Knowing the difference doesn’t just clear up confusion; it gets you one step closer to feeling better, faster.

 

Natural Remedies You Can Try To Soothe Vaginal Discomfort

Whenever it comes to easing vaginal discomfort, natural remedies can play a powerful supporting role. They don’t replace medical treatment when needed, but they can help calm symptoms, restore balance, and make your day-to-day feel a lot more manageable.

 

Start with the basics: what you eat, how you move, and how you care for your body matter. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s supports circulation and helps keep tissues healthy. Foods like flaxseeds, salmon, and walnuts offer anti-inflammatory benefits, while soy products might offer gentle hormonal support thanks to their phytoestrogens. Staying hydrated and cutting back on processed foods can also make a difference.

 

Your daily habits can either soothe or stir things up. Loose-fitting cotton underwear, avoiding harsh soaps, and skipping the douches your body never asked for in the first place can all help keep irritation to a minimum. Movement is just as important. Gentle exercise improves blood flow and keeps hormone levels more stable, both of which are helpful if you're managing symptoms tied to GSM.

 

Here are a few natural options worth considering:

• Dietary phytoestrogens: Found in soy, flaxseed, and legumes, they may offer light estrogen-like effects.

• Topical moisturizers: Coconut oil or aloe vera gel can help soothe dryness and irritation.

• Herbal supplements: Black cohosh and red clover are popular for menopausal symptoms, though you’ll want to talk to your provider before starting anything new.

• Pelvic therapy: A trained specialist can teach exercises and techniques to strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pelvic discomfort.

Layering in these tools can help you feel more in control of your care. That said, not all discomfort is created equal. If your symptoms are sticking around or getting worse, don’t guess; just get checked. Personalized pelvic therapy, in particular, gives you a structured way to target both the root cause and the ongoing effects of GSM-related issues.

 

By combining professional support with natural strategies, you’re building a care routine that works with your body instead of against it. These changes don’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t have to figure them out alone.

 

The right mix of habits and guidance can make a real impact, and it all starts with paying closer attention to what your body’s trying to tell you.

 

How Pelvic Physical Therapy Can Help with Menopause Relief

Menopause often brings more than just hot flashes. For many, the real struggle shows up as vaginal discomfort, pelvic pain, and that nagging sense that something just feels off. That’s where pelvic physical therapy steps in. It’s not only about strengthening muscles; it’s about reconnecting with parts of your body that feel unfamiliar or ignored during this transition.

 

GSM, or genitourinary syndrome of menopause, is one of the most common changes that shows up during and after menopause. It’s often tied to lower estrogen levels, which can affect everything from bladder control to vaginal tissue health. Pelvic therapy offers a personalized approach that goes deeper than symptom management. Instead of chasing temporary fixes, it addresses the root of the discomfort.

 

Here are a few ways pelvic therapy can make a difference:

• Strengthens pelvic floor muscles, improving bladder control and easing pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area.

• Releases tension and improves flexibility using hands-on techniques like myofascial release, which can reduce pain and discomfort.

• Builds body awareness through biofeedback and breathwork, helping you stay tuned in and actively involved in your own care.

These tools go beyond physical relief. As estrogen dips, it’s common to feel disconnected from your body. Pelvic therapy helps restore that connection, giving you practical tools that bring both comfort and confidence. Breathwork, posture work, and gentle movement exercises also help calm the nervous system, which is key when hormonal changes stir up stress or anxiety.

 

Every woman’s experience with menopause looks different. That’s why this type of care is built to be personalized. Sessions aren’t just about doing exercises. They offer a space to talk openly about symptoms that often go unmentioned, like sexual discomfort, leaking, or chronic pelvic pain. A good therapist will help you build a plan that fits into your daily routine without becoming another thing on your to-do list.

 

By combining traditional care with targeted, body-aware practices, pelvic physical therapy offers a clear path toward feeling better. It’s not about fixing menopause. It’s about moving through it with tools that help you feel stronger, more comfortable, and back in control of your own body.

 

Have More Questions? Get The Answers From Lotus Physical Therapy for Women

Knowing the difference between UTIs and GSM is more than just a medical detail. It’s the foundation for finding treatment that actually works. When you can pinpoint the source of discomfort, you can take smarter steps toward lasting relief.

 

At Lotus Physical Therapy for Women, we specialize in helping women deal with these changes with clarity and confidence.

 

No matter if your symptoms are related to hormonal shifts, pelvic floor tension, or both, our goal is to help you feel better in your body again.

 

If you’re experiencing persistent urinary or vaginal symptoms and want answers, schedule a pelvic physical therapy consultation at Lotus PT today to get personalized support and relief.

 

Prefer to speak with someone first? Call us at 845-517-5100 or email [email protected] to ask questions or book your session. Every conversation is private, and every plan is built around you.

 

You don’t have to keep guessing what’s going on. With expert guidance and a supportive approach, relief is closer than you think.