Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide to Managing Chronic Bladder Pain

To experience chronic bladder pain and burning during urination is certainly a problem, if not quite so insidious a burning, if the condition is as stealthy as Interstitial Cystitis (IC).

Bladder pain syndrome is pain from the bladder or bladder pain syndrome with frequent pelvis and bladder pain, pressure, or burning, which can lead to a sudden urge to urinate.

Though never founded is its origin, a million-plus women awaken with each dawn of doubt about this disease.

Here, we will discuss what Interstitial Cystitis is, what precipitants are, and what symptoms are, with survival tips as a token towards making quality of life the best.

What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic, and most disabling, pelvic floor and bladder disorder that surrounds it. It is not an infectious disease treatable by antibiotics, nor is it a bacterial infection. It has been postulated to be caused due to an abnormality in the lining of the bladder, autoimmunity, or chronic inflammation.

Bladder is a muscular reservoir of urine which stores the urine until it is expelled. The wall of the bladder, in Interstitial Cystitis, becomes irritated or inflamed and leads to scarring, stiffness, and the decreased bladder capacity. It is also variable for variable individuals and at variable times with symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

Worst aspect of Interstitial Cystitis is how unpredictable it is. Some will get a mild one, others will get paralyzing, life-altering pain. Most common reported symptoms are:

• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Too frequent bearing down more than the normal 7–8 times a day
• Urination urge
• Disuric pain or ache at
• Sex
• Bladder distension after recent micturition

Flares occur unpredictably and can be triggered by a hugely wide variety of stimuli, such as food, worry, and hormones.

Experiencing any of these symptoms? Don’t dismiss them – visit and see a specialist today for testing and treatment advice.

Causes and Risk Factors

Despite research continues, the actual cause of Interstitial Cystitis is not known. But there have been a number of theories proposed:

• Bladder Lining Defect: Injury or thinning of the bladder lining allows offending chemicals in urine to irritate the bladder lining.
• Autoimmune Response: Body’s immune response attacks healthy bladder tissue, similar to other autoimmune disorders.
• Nerve Hypersensitivity: Hyperactive nerves within the pelvis release too much pain.
• Infection or Inflammation: Chronic infection or chronic inflammation can lead to IC.

Risk factors are female (90% of the patient population is female), age (typically diagnosed over age 30), and chronic pain syndrome such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia.

Diagnosing Interstitial Cystitis

Because Interstitial Cystitis is mimicked by other urologic syndromes—overactive bladder syndrome, endometriosis, or urinary tract infection—the syndrome becomes difficult to diagnose. It is usually diagnosed by eliminating the other syndromes which can cause the syndrome.

The best urologist in Jaipur, Dr Ravi Gupta, prescribes the following tests:

• Urine Culture and Urinalysis: To eliminate the possibility of infection.
• Cystoscopy: A tiny tube with a camera is placed in the bladder to view and examine the bladder and check for inflammation or tenderness.
• Bladder Biopsy: In order to exclude other explanations like bladder cancer.
• Urodynamic Testing: To check how well the bladder holds urine and empties it.

Diagnosis also involves a bladder diary in the hope of being able to measure frequency and pain of the urine.

Struggling with bladder pain? Book an appointment now with Jaipur’s Leading Urologist and begin healing.

Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis

Although there is no “cure” for Interstitial Cystitis, an overwhelming majority of patients are benefited by a treatment program. Best response is relief of symptoms and return of bladder function.

Dietary Modifications

Many people with Interstitial Cystitis find that certain foods worsen their symptoms. Common irritants include:

• Caffeinated drinks (coffee, soda, tea)
• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomatoes
• Artificial sweeteners

An elimination diet can help identify and avoid specific triggers.

Medications

Interstial Cystitis is treated with several different drugs:

• Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (Elmiron): The only oral medication that is at present licensed for the treatment of IC.
• Antihistamines: Hydroxyzine, to decrease inflammation.
• Tricyclic Antidepressants: Amitriptyline, to decrease pain and frequency.
• Pain Meds: Prescription or over-the-counter pain medication.

Bladder Instillations

These can be given by inserting the medication into the bladder through a catheter. These are infusable drugs that can seep through to the bladder lining and to decrease inflammation.

Physical Therapy

Pelvic floor dysfunction will also be experienced with Interstitial Cystitis, and physical therapy will be most beneficial. A good pelvic floor physical therapist can instruct the pelvic muscle relaxation and strengthening exercises that can decrease bladder pain.

Bladder Training

Bladder training stretches the bladder and provides additional time to pass between bathroom trips. It is painful but could result in better bladder control later.

Surgical Options

Surgery is reserved if other options fail. Bladder removal or bladder stretching is extremely rare. Surgeries are risky and usually are not recommended.

To obtain the treatment plan for your disorder personally, get appropriate treatment of your symptoms by Top Urologist in Jaipur.

Management of the Psychological Stress

Interstitital Cystitis may be emotionally distressing because of the chronic nature of the disease. Pain, sleep, and limitation of social activity will tend to cause tension, depression, and isolation. Psychological counseling is indicated.

• Counseling or Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) will help one manage stress and mood.
• Support Groups: Spying with individuals who are experiencing the same can be a reassuring and emotional support.
• Meditation and Mindfulness: The therapies that calm the nervous system actually reduced perceived pain and tension.

Lifestyle Changes for Better Living (Continued)

Living with Interstitial Cystitis does involve accepting a few lifestyle changes to control pain, avoid flare-ups, and just generally have a good quality of life. Although every patient will be unique, there is some advice that holds true in general:

• Daytime well-drinking thins urine, which avoids bladder irritation.
• Keep an ulcer diary to track what triggers the symptoms, the number of flare-ups, and how much the body is overcompensating during attack due to treatment.
• Warm bath or warm pack over the pelvis can help alleviate pain and swelling.
• Avoid very tight undergarments or belts that puncture around the bladder and pelvis.
• Slowly mobilizing the body like walking, yoga, and stretching can be adopted in one’s lifestyle without further bothering the bladder.

Need help making lifestyle changes that support bladder health? Talk to the Best Urologist in Jaipur for advice and suggestions.

Interstitial Cystitis in Men

Although far more prevalent in women, Interstitial Cystitis can affect both genders. Most often confused with chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men. Same entire symptom complex: urgency to void, bladder fullness, or painful urinating or on ejaculation.

Male suspected cases of Interstitial Cystitis need to be under observation by professionals since the treatment would be slightly different as well as cross-verifying from other male urinary system disorders.

Interstitial Cystitis and Sexual Health

Sex may hurt in a patient with Interstitial Cystitis, especially when he/she is experiencing flare. This would restrict mood and relations. Describe with your physician and lover not having sex unpleasant.

Things to recall –

• Sex during low symptoms
• Keeping a water-based lubricant handy
• Position finding such that no bladder pressure is felt
• Instillations drug history sexual pain use

Emerging Treatments and Research

Interstitial Implantable Cystitis studies continue to provide additional information on this elusive disease. Research is trending toward:

• Stem Cell Therapy: Initial research is looking into whether or not upcoming stem cells would be utilized in the repair of damaged bladder tissue.
• Neuromodulation Devices: Intradermal devices that assist in managing bladder nerve stimuli can stop pain and frequency and relieve pain.
• New Drug Trials: Scientists are conducting new drug trials that attack the inflammation at the molecular level.

As technology advances, Interstitial Cystitis treatment will be more technologically oriented and specialist-based in practice with fewer cases of hit-or-miss in treatment practices.

Symptoms shouldn’t dominate your life. Take charge of bladder wellness with a customized treatment plan from Jaipur’s Best Urologist.

Conclusion

Living with Interstitial Cystitis isn’t easy, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. With a dedicated healthcare provider, the right treatment plan, and lifestyle changes, most patients can find relief and improve their quality of life. Understanding your body, managing triggers, and advocating for yourself are key steps on this journey.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing IC for years, getting treatment with a top urologist in Jaipur can make a world of difference.