Interstitial Cystiti

What is interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic health condition resulting in bladder pain and pressure. Some people also experience occasional pelvic pain.

Your bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that holds urine. Your bladder expands until it's full before signaling your brain to urinate, effectively communicating through the pelvic nerves to create the urge to urinate.

With interstitial cystitis, the signals malfunction and you feel the need to urinate more often and with less urine than most people.

What are the symptoms of interstitial cystitis?

The symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary. For many people, the symptoms flare in response to certain triggers, such as menstruation, stress, sexual activity, exercise, and sitting for a long time.

If you have interstitial cystitis, you might experience:

• Pain in your pelvis or between your anus and vagina
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Discomfort while your bladder fills
• Relief after urinating
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• An urgent and persistent need to urinate
• Frequent urination, usually in small amounts throughout the day and night

If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, it’s best to visit OBGYN CARE for an evaluation and treatment.

What causes interstitial cystitis?

It isn’t exactly clear what causes interstitial cystitis, but many factors might play a role, such as:

• A genetic defect in the protective bladder lining
• An autoimmune reaction
• Infection
• Aging 

You’re more likely to develop interstitial cystitis if you have a chronic pain disorder like irritable bowel syndrome.

If it isn’t properly treated, interstitial cystitis can lead to reduced bladder capacity and disrupted sleep.

How is interstitial cystitis treated?

Highly effective in-office treatments for interstitial cystitis are available at OBGYN CARE.

After sufficient testing, such as a urine test, cystoscopy, pelvic exam, biopsy, or potassium sensitivity test, Dr. Baker or Dr. Marinescu might suggest:

• Targeted exercises
• Bladder training
• Eliminating foods or other substances that irritate your bladder
• Medications, such as anti-inflammatories or antihistamines
• Medications placed into the bladder through a catheter
• Cystoscopy with bladder distention — a procedure to stretch your bladder with water

In some cases, surgery might be the best solution for your interstitial cystitis, such as fulguration which involves going in through your urethra to treat ulcers.

Take back control over your bladder and urinary system and find relief from your pain. Call OBGYN CARE or schedule online today.