By Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D., Urologist & Urogynecologist
If you’ve had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how quickly it can take over your life. The constant urgency, the burning sensation, the sleepless nights.
Antibiotics might offer short-term relief, but for many, UTIs seem to come back again and again, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless.
For millions of women, recurring UTIs are a constant battle, leading to multiple courses of antibiotics, frustration, and even fear that these infections could lead to more serious complications.
But what if there was a way to break the cycle? To stop relying on medications that only mask the problem and start addressing the root cause of your recurrent UTIs?
In this article, we’ll uncover why UTIs keep coming back—and the key to finally stopping them for good.
The Overlooked Factors in UTI's
Urinary Tract Infections in women are often the result of multiple contributing factors:
Underlying Medical Conditions
Urinary Tract Obstructions
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Sexual Activity
Changes in Vaginal Flora
Stress
Genetic Predisposition
Because UTI's often have multiple underlying causes, an accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
Why Traditional Approaches May Fall Short
Many women initially seek help from their primary care physician or gynecologist, who specialize in general care or reproductive health.
However, generalist do not have the advanced training required to fully evaluate and treat urinary-related conditions.
As a result, many women are simply prescribed an antibiotic to manage their symptoms rather than address the underlying issue.
A New Approach: The Specialized Expertise of Urogynecology
Urogynecologists have specialized training in Female Pelvic Medicine. & Reconstructive Surgery, allowing them to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of conditions affecting the pelvic floor, vagina, and bladder function.
Hi, I'm Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, Medical Director at Total Urology Care of New York.
As a Board-Certified Urologist, Urogynecologist, and Surgeon, I’ve spent my career helping women find real, lasting solutions for recurrent UTIs.
Urogynecologists are trained to identify deeper causes of chronic UTIs, such as urinary tract obstruction, anatomical irregularities, or recurrent infections due to vaginal flora imbalance.
At our office, we use on-site Molecular PCR testing for UTIs, allowing for faster and more accurate detection compared to traditional urine cultures.
The good news is that UTIs can often be treated successfully without antibiotics or invasive procedures, using advanced treatments that focus on long-term management and prevention of recurrent UTIs.
Many urinary incontinence treatments are often covered by insurance, but coverage varies depending on the plan and the specific treatment.
By addressing both vaginal and bladder health together, women can regain control and return to daily activities without the constant pain and worry of UTIs.
If you’re struggling with recurrent UTIs, you don’t have to live with it. The first step to relief start with a consultation. Let’s find the underlying problem and the right solution for you.
What To Expect During Your Initial Consultation:
First, I'll take time to really listen to the details of your UTI challenges.
I'll complete a thorough evaluation to understand the likely cause of your UTIs.
We'll discuss which treatment options are best for your specific situation.
In rare cases, some women have other health related issues. If that happens to be you, then I promise to tell you and recommend another treatment option or specialist, if possible.
The initial consultation is a great way to get real answers and see how urogynecology can help address your UTIs.
OUR APPROACH
The culture of care at Total Urology Care of New York includes compassionate, evidence-based, and state-of-the-art medicine in our family-owned practice. We approach your unique situation with care to understand the underlying causes, before any recommendations are made.
Call to schedule your initial consultation at (212) 470-7686 or click below to schedule online.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
If you have chronic UTI issues, as I have for years, Dr. Kavaler is the MD to see. She has developed a personal protocol for me, and is understanding and empathetic.
Michele K.
★★★★★
"Treated successfully"
I can assure anyone reading this, if you are looking for a capable, brilliant, compassionate, knowledgable, "think out of the box" no nonsense urologist you have found her! My 88 year old mom has had painful bladder stones, UTI's, and Dr Kavaler has treated her successfully for years in ways that her previous doctor never did (which I do not understand). I wish every doctor was as capable, thorough and well versed in her field as Dr Kavaler. The world would be a better place.
Stephanie B.
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience at total urology care after suffering for many years with urinary tract pain. From the front desk staff to the sono tech to the dr and nurse, everyone was kind and comforting. Definitely recommend
Nancy D.
★★★★★
I have been a patient of Dr. Kavaler for about a year now. I tear up thinking about how much she changed my life for the better, and thank god for allowing me to find her. I’m a 23 year old with a very long history of kidney and urinary tract problems since birth. After surgeries, about 30 different doctors on Long Island (where I’m from), and resistance to every single antibiotic there is to offer, I realized it was time for me to find a doctor who listened, cared, and dedicated time and patience to really analyze my personal situation and take me under their wing. Dr. Kavaler did exactly that, plus so much more. She was beyond comforting, optimistic, and knowledgeable, and I immediately knew that she would be my saving grace. I first came into her office stressed, suffering in immense pain, and not very hopeful because I was told by a previous doctor that I would have to look into an infectious disease specialist to start using IV antibiotics to treat my chronic infections. When I told this to Dr. Kavaler, she laughed, and she told me “you’re in my care now, and we’re gonna figure this out together”. Today, I can’t remember the last time I’ve went this long without getting an infection. It’s been months. I never thought this day would come and I never thought I’d live a pain free, normal life, like any other average 23 year old girl. If you needed a sign to make the trip to visit Dr. Kavaler, this is it. I can not say enough great things about her. She saved my life.
Shannon J.
★★★★★
Dr. Kavaler Is The Author Of:
“A Seat on the Aisle, Please!: The essential guide to urinary tract problems in women”
If you're struggling with bladder leaks, UTIs, or pelvic organ prolapse, you deserve expert care from a specialist who truly understands the unique challenges women face. That’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler at Total Urology Care of New York.
Dr. Kavaler is double board-certified in Urology and Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology)—a rare distinction that sets her apart as one of NYC’s leading experts in female urological disorders. With over 30 years of experience, she has helped thousands of women reclaim their confidence and quality of life.
At Total Urology Care, we take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. Dr. Kavaler specializes in both vaginal and bladder health, ensuring you get the right diagnosis and real solutions that work—often without surgery or invasive procedures.
Dr. Kavaler is also the first urogynecologist in Manhattan to offer Molecular PCR testing for UTIs and one of the few specialists in the country performing vaginal prolapse surgery—a less invasive alternative to robotic procedures.
Patients come from across the country for Dr. Kavaler’s expertise. As a trusted author, professor, and leader in the field, she is committed to helping women find real relief—without unnecessary procedures or ineffective treatments.
Dr. Kavaler is the author of:
“A Seat on the Aisle, Please!: The essential guide to urinary tract problems in women”
I Will Take Time Listen: At your initial consultation, I'll take time to listen to your unique story so I can understand your history with urinary incontinence and determine the likely causes.
I Will Answer All Your Questions: Questions such as: What is causing my incontinence? What treatment is right for me? How do the treatments work? Are the treatments covered by insurance?
I Will Be Honest: If you are not a candidate for our treatments, I'll tell you why and help you find another specialist, if possible.
This site is not part of the Meta website or Meta Inc. Additionally, this site is NOT endorsed by Meta in any way. Facebook and Instagram are trademarks of Meta, Inc.
Copyright © 2025 Total Urology Care of New York. All Rights Reserved.