Interstitial Cystitis is a condition which causes pain in the bladder, urgency and a frequent need to urinate.  This problem is more common in women than in men.

To diagnose interstitial cystitis your urology doctor may do a test called Cystoscopy, which uses a thin lighted tube to see inside of your bladder.  You may also be asked to provide a urine sample, to check for a possible urinary tract infection.

What Causes Interstitial Cystitis?

It is believed that interstitial cystitis may be caused by an atypical change in the lining of the bladder.  Yet, often the cause isn’t clear or straightforward.  Usually your urologist will have you keep a bladder diary to record how often you urinate and an estimate of how much your void each time.

What are the symptoms of interstitial cystitis?

The pain from interstitial cystitis can be mild to severe but usually will go away right after you urinate. Other symptoms include:
•    Frequency: Urinating often during the day and night.
•    Urgency: Feeling pressure, discomfort, and a constant urge to urinate.
•    Discomfort: Having pain in your lower abdomen or pelvis area.

How is interstitial cystitis it treated?

Treatment may include:
•    Bladder training: Bladder training helps your bladder get used to holding more urine without discomfort or pain as you can slowly increase the period of time between when you urinate during the day.

•    Physical therapy: A physical therapist who is specially trained in pelvic floor can teach you special exercises to help relax the muscles in your lower abdomen.

•    Medications: Muscle relaxers, pain medication which can help relieve the pain and the symptoms of interstitial cystitis.

•    Electrical stimulation: This procedure uses a mild electrical pulse to stop nerve pain.

•    Other treatments: These include biofeedback, electrical nerve stimulation or acupuncture. These have been useful for some people.

•    Surgery: If medications or treatments don’t relieve the pain and discomfort then surgery might be done to repair your bladder condition.

How can you manage your pain?

Your doctor will help you control your pain, but there are also things you can do such as: stay active in ways that don’t trigger pain, such as taking a walk, and doing gentle exercises.  Sitting for a long time can cause pain, so get up and walk around to prevent or decrease the pain. For some women avoiding spicy foods, coffee, or alcohol may help to relieve the pain of interstitial cystitis.

If you have any questions about interstitial cystitis or seek treatment, call NYC’s top urologist, Drs. Brodherson and Larish today.