Interstitial Cystitis: Painful Bladder Syndrome
Frequent bathroom trips. Ongoing pelvic pain. Disrupted sleep. These are just a few signs that something more serious than a typical bladder issue may be happening. Interstitial cystitis, often misunderstood and underdiagnosed, can significantly affect quality of life. Understanding the symptoms is the first step toward finding relief.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition that affects how your bladder functions.
Normally, when your bladder fills with urine, nerves in the pelvis signal your brain that it’s time to go, typically without pain unless you’ve been holding it too long.
In people with IC, those signals become disrupted. You might feel the urge to urinate every 10 to 15 minutes, or even up to 60 times a day. The process of storing and releasing urine becomes painful and exhausting.
Women are about 10 times more likely to develop IC than men. The pain often intensifies during menstruation, making the condition especially difficult to manage.
What Causes IC?
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, but several theories exist.
- Nerve damage
- Defects in the bladder lining
- Allergic reactions
- Bladder tissue issues
- Autoimmune responses
Many women with IC also have conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and fibromyalgia.
Typical Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
- Chronic pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, or pelvic region
- Frequent urination and persistent urgency
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Urinating in small amounts both day and night
- Pain during and after sexual intercourse (in women)
- Occasional blood in the urine
- Discomfort or pain when the bladder fills
Some patients may describe their discomfort as pressure rather than pain.
A Proper Diagnosis Is Essential
Several other conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other infections, can mimic the symptoms of IC. That’s why getting an accurate diagnosis is so important.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, reach out to a specialist like Dr. Sunil Purohit and Dr. Joshua Sleeper for a comprehensive evaluation.
Managing Interstitial Cystitis
While there is no known cure for IC, many treatment options are available to help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. First-line treatments often include:
- Medications
- Diet and lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking)
- Gentle physical activity
- Stress reduction
- Physical therapy, including Kegel exercises
Additional Therapies May Include
- Botox injections
- Nerve stimulation
- Bladder procedures under anesthesia
- Surgery (in more severe cases)
Interstitial Cystitis Treatment Plans in Covington, LA
Living with interstitial cystitis can be challenging, but support and treatment options are available. If you’re struggling with persistent bladder pain or urinary symptoms, contact board-certified urologists at (985) 892-6811.
Getting the right diagnosis and care plan can make a lasting difference in your daily comfort and overall health.