Interstitial cystitis (IC) can come with frustration. But millions of people have the condition, and help is available.
Whether you’re suffering or know someone who is, here are five facts to help you move forward.
1. Interstitial cystitis is also known as painful bladder syndrome, bladder pain syndrome, and frequency-urgency-dysuria syndrome.
It may go by different names, but the condition is the same. I see it frequently in my urology practice. It’s common in women, but men and children can develop IC, too. It’s estimated that anywhere from 4 million to 12 million Americans have the disease.
2. Interstitial cystitis symptoms can vary.
The main signs of IC are pain in the pelvic area and the urge to urinate often. For some people, this can mean needing the bathroom as many as 60 times a day, sometimes only a little.
Pain, pressure, and soreness can occur in the lower abdomen. This can be around the urethra, vagina, penis, or scrotum. Pain during sex can be a problem, too. Many people report that the pain increases around their menstrual periods.
IC can make work, social activities, and normal life more difficult. Some of my patients find that symptoms stay the same over long periods, while others feel they get worse over time. Other patients tell me their symptoms go into remission for extended periods.
3. Experts aren’t sure what causes interstitial cystitis, and diagnosis can be challenging.
Anyone can develop the condition. But you might have an increased risk of IC if you have another condition that causes chronic pain. If you have a family member who has IC, your risk may be increased as well.
Factors leading to IC may include:
- Defects in bladder tissue
- Allergic reaction to a specific type of inflammatory cell
- Changes in the nerves that carry bladder sensations, either in the pelvis or in how the brain processes pain signals
- Autoimmune changes
Diagnosing IC can be complicated. Symptoms can be similar to those caused by urinary tract infection, bladder cancer, and other conditions, as well as certain medications. There’s also no specific test for IC. This all means you need to see a specialist for a prompt and accurate diagnosis.
If you have IC symptoms, see a urologist. You can expect them to review your health history and perform a physical exam. Urinalysis and urine culture are the next steps. Sometimes, a cystoscopy or bladder wall biopsy may be necessary.
4. There are a few different approaches to interstitial cystitis treatment.
There’s no cure for IC, but there are several ways to ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatments can include:
- Medication, such as heartburn drugs, antidepressants, and antihistamines
- Bladder instillations
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which uses mild electrical pulses to ease pain
- Sacral nerve stimulation, which is an implant similar to a TENS unit
- Botox to slow muscle activity in the bladder
- Physical therapy to strengthen and relax pelvic floor muscles
My patients report that lifestyle changes can make a big difference as well. Alcohol, chocolate, tomatoes, and certain spicy or acidic foods can make symptoms worse in some people. Diet changes can help. Exercise, reducing stress, and avoiding smoking have been shown to ease IC symptoms, too.
5. Expert interstitial cystitis care is available near you.
IC isn’t life-threatening, and it doesn’t cause bladder cancer. But it can have a staggering impact on your quality of life.
At Temple Health, our urology team understands. Here, you can expect compassionate, expert care. We’ll work with you to understand your unique concerns and tailor an approach that helps you live the life you love.
Temple Health Urology is in your neighborhood. Call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) to set up an appointment or request one online