Health

Pissed about your constant UTIs? Try physical therapy

There could be a surprising way to help prevent recurring UTIs, and it involves physical therapy. We asked the experts to break it down for us.

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Photo: Getty Images/ Didier Robcis
Published Nov 29, 2018

Written by 

Allie Flinn

I’m going to make a wild guess and say that if you’re reading this article, you’ve had at least one UTI. And given that 40 to 60 percent of women will have a UTI in their lives, according to the NIH, you’re definitely not alone in knowing how straight-up terrible they are. The burning, the constant need to pee—no thanks.

But often, getting a UTI is not just a one-and-done kind of deal. Twenty percent of women who get a UTI will get another one, and 30 percent of those people will get a third, because yay being a woman is amazing! And if you’re a lucky member of the recurrent UTI club, you’ve probably tried every natural remedy and preventive method under the sun. Guzzling water and cranberry juice, taking supplements, sacrificing your first-born…you know, everything.

But here’s one up-and-coming tactic you might not have tried: pelvic floor physical therapy.

Hold up: What is pelvic floor therapy?

First, a quick anatomy lesson. “The pelvic floor contains a group of muscles that attach to the pelvic and thigh bones,” says Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, double board-certified in ob-gyn and maternal fetal medicine, “which provide support for the pelvic organs, are responsible for healthy sexual activity, and maintain control over bladder and bowel function.” In women, these muscles are located near the bladder, bowel, and uterus.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is basically like any other form of physical therapy; it’s just focused on strengthening your pelvic floor instead of, like, your back or hamstrings. People most commonly seek pelvic floor therapy if they have continence issues, painful sex, or chronic pelvic pain. But more and more people are trying it to help with their chronic UTIs. “This is common in other countries such as France, and is slowly gaining popularity in the US,” says Dr. Gaither.

Can it actually help with UTIs?

Yes and no. “If it is an actual infection, no it cannot,” says Rachel Gelman, DPT, PT and Branch Director at the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center. Meaning: If you currently have a UTI, pelvic floor therapy won’t make it go away. You should go see your healthcare provider ASAP.

However, pelvic floor physical therapy can help prevent future infections. One reason: You’re peeing wrong. “It may seem simple, but some people don’t urinate properly,” says Betsy Greenleaf, DO, FACOOG and urogynecologist. “The bladder is a muscular bag designed to push the urine out on its own. You are not required to push to empty.” And pushing to pee, Dr. Greenleaf says, can cause “dysfunctional voiding” by activating pelvic muscles that you don’t actually need to get the job done. The changes in pressure (from pushing to relaxing) can actually cause the last few drops of your pee to get “sucked” back up into your bladder, which puts you at a greater risk of infection, she says.

A pelvic floor physical therapist can work with you to help strengthen your pelvic floor, which will help you more effectively empty your bladder without pushing. The better you empty your bladder, the lower the risk of future infections. (Along with other good UTI prevention tactics, like peeing after sex and always wiping front to back.)

“As with any muscle, if you don’t use it you lose it.” —Betsy Greenleaf, DO.

Dr. Gaither adds that if you have recurrent UTIs, sometimes the tissues around the urethra can remain “contracted and congested,” creating sensations similar to UTIs (like having to pee really bad and pain) without actually having an infection. “Pelvic floor PT can address the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures that are dysfunctional,” Gelman says. “Often they are in spasm or hypertonic (tight) and that can lead to the symptoms someone is experiencing.”

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What to expect at a pelvic floor physical therapy session

Obviously, the idea of going to a specialist to deal with such an intimate part as a pelvis feels daunting. I asked the pros what exactly you’d be getting into during pelvic floor physical therapy.

At your first exam, “the physical therapist will do an examination your back, hip, and leg muscles,” Dr. Greenleaf says. “They may also do an internal pelvic examination like a gynecologist to assess your pelvic nerves and muscles.”

After the exam, they’ll come up with a treatment plan which could consist of strengthening exercises like squats, stretches, and lifting weights. All fully clothed, in case you were wondering (I was). Other treatment options may include pelvic tightening exercises, massages and stretches to improve posture and blood circulation, or “monitored internal care with probes that measure the strength of pelvic tightening,” Dr. Greenleaf says.

“As with any muscle, if you don’t use it you lose it,” adds Dr. Greenleaf. “Pelvic therapists can teach you techniques to keep your pelvic floor toned and healthy.” And hopefully with that, less likely to get saddled with another freaking UTI.

Here are some more reasons why you keep getting UTIs over and over again. Also, PSA: everyone should pay more attention to their pelvic floors.

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Health

Fact or Fiction: Are Wireless Headphones Actually Bad for Your Brain?

Our experts share whether these handy devices are friends...or foes.

young woman in orange sweater listening to music on wireless headphones over a mobile app while sitting on a comfortable green sofa
Photo: Getty Images / Milan Markovic
Published Feb 20, 2025

Written by 

Jaime Osnato

Wireless headphones go everywhere with us—on commutes, at the gym, and even in bed. We know they're undeniably convenient. But wireless headphones are radiation-emitting devices. So, having them close to your brain does raise some valid concerns.

Experts in This Article

Janna Andrews

chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital

Jonathan Rasouli

a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital

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Some experts suggest that high exposure to long-term radiofrequency (RF) radiation could have health effects, while others say there’s nothing to worry about. So, what’s actually the truth? Before you ditch your AirPods, let’s break down the science, separate fact from fear, and see if your favorite tech accessory comes with any real risks.

First, what is radiofrequency (RF) radiation?

Not all radiation is created equal. The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from low-energy radiation to high-energy radiation. At the low end of the spectrum is radiofrequency (RF) radiation, like radio waves and microwaves, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s considered a non-ionizing type of radiation—meaning, it lacks enough energy to remove electrons from an atom.

Wireless headphones use low-power, non-ionizing RF radiation—the same type of radiation emitted by cell phones and Wi-Fi routers, says Jonathan Rasouli, MD, a neurosurgeon at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital. While high-energy, ionizing radiation (like X-rays and gamma rays) is proven to cause cellular damage, low-frequency, non-ionizing radiation has long been considered safer, according to Janna Andrews, MD, chair of radiation medicine at Northwell Phelps Hospital. However, some emerging studies suggest it may not be entirely risk-free.

What are the potential risks of RF radiation?

In 2015, a group of international scientists signed a petition raising "serious concern" about radiofrequency radiation (RFR) from wireless devices, including Bluetooth headphones, due to potential links to cancer and other health effects. Here's what the research says so far about the potential health risks of long-term RFR exposure.

Cancer

The jury’s still out, but some research suggests a possible link between wireless devices and cancer risk. In 2011, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classified RF radiation as a Class 2B Possible Human Carcinogen, meaning it might contribute to cancer, according to the Environmental Health Trust. A May 2014 meta-analysis published in PLOS One found a potential association between long-term mobile phone use and glioma, a type of brain tumor.1 However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm this connection.

Fertility and reproductive health

It sounds farfetched, but wireless devices may affect male fertility. A December 2018 review published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can harm sperm quality, disrupt cellular metabolism, and cause oxidative stress, all of which may contribute to infertility for people with testes.2

Hearing problems

Long-term exposure to RF radiation might also take a toll on your ears. Several studies suggest a potential link between wireless devices and hearing loss. For example, a study published in the Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery found that high-frequency hearing loss was significantly more common in the dominant ear of cell phone users—the one that you use more often when you're making a call.3

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Additionally, a 2016 literature review in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology found that RF radiation from cell phone use may trigger or worsen tinnitus, a condition that causes persistent ringing in the ears.4

Oxidative stress and cellular damage

Some research suggests RF radiation might stress out your cells—literally. This stress can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), unstable molecules that damage DNA, according to the American Cancer Society. A 2015 review in Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine concluded that long-term exposure to low-intensity RF radiation could contribute to oxidative stress, which is known to be a risk factor for a variety of health conditions, including cancer and inflammatory diseases.5

So, what's the verdict?

While some studies suggest prolonged RF radiation exposure may increase health risks, there’s no strong evidence that Bluetooth headphones in particular are dangerous, says Dr. Rasouli.

Animal studies have hinted at a link between RF radiation and tumors, but results have been inconsistent and inconclusive—and more importantly, haven't been replicated in human studies. Even studies of workers exposed to higher RF levels—such as radar technicians and radio operators—have not found a clear increase in cancer risk, according to the American Cancer Society.

In addition, large-scale studies on cell phone use haven’t definitively linked RF radiation to brain tumors or cancer, Dr. Rasouli says. And cell phones emit far more RF radiation than wireless Bluetooth headphones. In the U.S., cell phones operate between 1.8 to 2.2 gigahertz (GHz), while Bluetooth devices emit only 0.25 to 10 percent of that—well below the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) safety limits, adds Dr. Andrews. The FCC regulates exposure levels to ensure they remain within safe thresholds, she explains.

So far, there’s no solid data that wireless headphones pose significant health risks. Unlike ionizing radiation (like X-rays), RF waves don’t have enough energy to damage DNA directly. However, moderation is key—as with any technology, Dr. Rasouli explains. By following smart listening habits and staying informed, you can use wireless headphones with confidence, he adds.

How to keep your brain (and ears) safe

Want to play it safe? Here are simple ways to reduce any potential risks, according to Drs. Rasouli and Andrews:

  • Limit long-term use: Listening to your wireless headphones at a high volume can cause hearing loss
  • Lower the volume: Keep it below 85 decibels (dB) for no more than eight hours per day
  • Avoid sleeping with headphones on: Doing so can help reduce your odds of bacterial infections, wax buildup, and potential hearing loss
  • Consider wired headphones: This eliminates the RF radiation concern altogether
  • Keep them clean: Wipe with alcohol pads to prevent bacteria buildup and ear infections
  1. Yang, Ming et al. “Mobile phone use and glioma risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” PloS one vol. 12,5 e0175136. 4 May. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0175136 ↩︎
  2. Kesari, Kavindra Kumar et al. “Radiations and male fertility.” Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E vol. 16,1 118. 9 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0431-1 ↩︎
  3. Velayutham, P et al. “High-frequency hearing loss among mobile phone users.” Indian journal of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery : official publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India vol. 66,Suppl 1 (2014): 169-72. doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0406-4 ↩︎
  4. Medeiros, Luisa Nascimento, and Tanit Ganz Sanchez. “Tinnitus and cell phones: the role of electromagnetic radiofrequency radiation.” Brazilian journal of otorhinolaryngology vol. 82,1 (2016): 97-104. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.04.013 ↩︎
  5. Yakymenko, Igor et al. “Oxidative mechanisms of biological activity of low-intensity radiofrequency radiation.” Electromagnetic biology and medicine vol. 35,2 (2016): 186-202. doi:10.3109/15368378.2015.1043557 ↩︎

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Food

The Making of an Internet-Famous Fruit: How Sumo Citrus Has Captured Hearts, Tastebuds, and a Devoted Following

photo of growers transporting many sumo citrus for review
Photo: Sumo Citrus® & W+G Creative
Published Feb 20, 2025

In Partnership With 

Sumo Citrus

Written by 

Maeve McCormick

Confession time: I love citrus—zesty limes squeezed on my tacos, fresh-squeezed orange juice on slow Sunday mornings, and the invigorating scent of grapefruit candles when I need to unwind. But when it comes to eating whole citrus fruits? Historically, not my thing. The mess of peeling, the sticky fingers, the rogue juice dribbling down my wrists—for me, most citrus has never been worth the (literal) squeeze.

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Then, one day, my roommate came home from the store with an oversized citrus I didn’t recognize. She told me I had to try a piece, while effortlessly peeling it in one smooth motion—no mess, no struggle. I skeptically accepted a slice, wondering what the big deal was. 

To my surprise, the experience was completely sticky-fingers-free. And the taste? Unlike any citrus I’d had before—enormously sweet, impossibly juicy, and balanced with just a hint of tang. That was my first bite of Sumo Citrus®—and now, I understand why The Office actress Jenna Fischer planted a Sumo Citrus tree in her yard, John Mayer peeled it on TikTok, and it has its very own merch (kind of eyeing that beanie, TBH).

So, what’s earned Sumo Citrus this devoted following? Sumo is taking the sweetness on the road for you to experience it yourself with the Tastemonial Tour—and it’s making a special stop at House of Good during our Ultimate Citrus Experience pop-up from February 21 to 23. Stop by for the hype if you're in Los Angeles, and read on to find out how this one-of-a-kind fruit became a seasonal fruit fixation.

sumo citrus with purple sticker

Find Sumo Citrus Near You

Sumo Citrus wasn’t just plucked from a tree one day and marketed as the next big thing—it’s the result of decades of careful cultivation, according to Sunnia Gull, AC Food’s vice president of marketing. First developed in Japan in the 1970s, it was naturally bred to combine the best traits of different citrus varieties—including the sweetness of mandarins, the juiciness of navel oranges, and the easy-to-peel skin of a satsuma.

Despite its popularity, growing Sumo Citrus is no easy feat. It takes years of expertise to perfect, and California’s Central Valley is the only place in the United States where it’s grown. Even then, farmers face unpredictable weather challenges, which means every piece of fruit that makes it to the store is a result of careful tending and patience.

The first thing you notice about Sumo Citrus is its size—it’s the largest variety of mandarins. The second? Its signature Top Knot®, a bump on top of the fruit that serves as an easier way to peel it. The skin practically lifts off, revealing plump, seedless segments that don’t leave your hands coated in juice and stubborn pith. 

Every Sumo Citrus is guaranteed to be incredibly sweet, thanks to each being measured on the “brix meter,” to ensure it meets sky-high sweetness standards before hitting shelves, Gull says. For those who prefer their fruit without surprise sour bites, it’s a game-changer.

Beyond its chef’s-kiss flavor and finally-I-don’t-need-a-wet-wipe convenience, Sumo Citrus packs a *serious* nutritional punch. Each fruit contains 163 percent of your daily vitamin C, along with fiber, potassium, and a flavonoid called hesperidin, which has antioxidant benefits. Whether you’re looking for immunity support, a gut-friendly snack, or a natural energy source, it fits the bill. Bonus: It’s the kind of snack I can toss in my bag and eat in two minutes flat—way better than the sad granola bar that’s been in my purse for the past three months.

And while Sumo Citrus is made to eat straight out of the peel, fans have gotten creative with how they use it. The fruit’s sweetness and juiciness make it an ideal addition to everything from bright citrus salads to zesty cocktails and refreshing desserts. Its bold flavor also complements savory dishes—think citrus-glazed salmon or a tangy dressing for roasted vegetables.

All of that creativity may be a result of the fact that Sumo Citrus is here for a good time, but not a long time. Unlike standard grocery store oranges that are available year-round, Sumo Citrus has a limited growing season, running only from January to April. This short window has created an almost cult-like following, with fans stocking up as soon as they see the signature purple sticker in stores. 

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I get it—now that I’ve experienced Sumo, I fully understand the impulse to grab them while they last. The anticipation is almost part of the appeal: Like cherry blossom season or holiday peppermint mochas, Sumo’s fleeting availability makes it even more special. And when the season ends? People (me) are already counting down the days until its return. Conclusion: Do yourself a favor and grab a few before they disappear for the year. Because once you’ve had a taste of this juicy citrus, there’s no going back.

Psst: Want a taste ASAP? The Sumo Tastemonial Tour is rolling into Belmont Park in San Diego from February 28 to March 1, Boreal Ski Resort in Tahoe from March 7 to 8, Craig Ranch Regional Park in Las Vegas from March 10 to 11, and La Encantada in Tuscon from March 14 to 15—or stop by House of Good in Venice Beach for the Ultimate Citrus Experience from February 21 to 23.

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