OVERVIEW
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, pelvic pain and sometimes pain with intercourse. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain. The condition is a part of a spectrum of diseases known as painful bladder syndrome. If you have urinary pain that lasts for more than six weeks and is not caused by other conditions like infection or kidney stones, you may have IC.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary. If you have interstitial cystitis, your symptoms may also vary over time, periodically flaring. Symptom severity is different for everyone, and some people may experience symptom-free periods.
You may experience the following common symptoms:
- Pain in the pelvis, vagina or anus in women
- Pain between the scrotum and anus in men (perineum)
- Chronic pelvic pain
- A persistent, urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination, often of small amounts, throughout the day and night
- Pain or discomfort while the bladder fills and relief after urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Pain during sexual intercourse or orgasm
Causes
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis isn’t known, but it’s likely that there are many contributing factors. People with interstitial cystitis may have a defect in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder. A leak in the epithelium may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate the bladder wall.
Other possible, but unproven, contributing factors are an autoimmune reaction, heredity, infection or allergy.
Factors associated with a higher risk of interstitial cystitis are:
- Biological Sex - women are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis more often than men
- Age - most people with interstitial cystitis are diagnosed during their 30s or older
- Having a chronic pain disorder - Interstitial cystitis may be associated with other chronic pain disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia.
Diagnosis/Evaluation
1) What to know before your visit:
- During your visit, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history and will perform an exam
2) Other tests that may be performed during or after your visit are:
- A urine test - a sample of your urine can be analyzed for signs of a urinary tract infection
- Cystoscopy - your doctor inserts a thin tube with a tiny camera (cystoscope) through the urethra, showing the lining of your bladder.
- Urine cytology. Your doctor collects a urine sample and examines the cells to help rule out cancer.
Treatment
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Dietary changes, physical therapy, allergy medications, medications instilled into the bladder, and oral medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, Elmiron and Tricyclic antidepressants.
SURGICAL TREATMENTS
Sacral nerve stimulator, botox, bladder distention, bladder fulguration and steroid injections.
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician near you today!