Bladder pain is a distressing experience, especially when it becomes chronic and persists without a clear cause. Also referred to as interstitial cystitis, painful bladder affects millions of men and women worldwide, significantly affecting their quality of life. Still, a lot of individuals in India have limited knowledge of bladder pain interstitial cystitis, why it occurs, and what are the best treatments for recovery.
That’s why Apex Hospital – home to experienced general surgeons in Sirsa, Haryana – decided to share an extensive guide explaining everything about interstitial cystitis. From meaning and symptoms to causes and treatments, everything major about bladder pain interstitial cystitis will be touched upon. Read on!
What’s Interstitial Cystitis?
Bladder pain interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition characterized by recurring bladder and surrounding pelvic region pain. The severity of the pain can range from mild to severe and it often comes with a frequent and urgent need to urinate.
For those who don’t know, interstitial cystitis is a form of chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) that affects the bladder’s lining or wall. While there is no known cure for IC available yet, various treatments can help manage the pain and improve the quality of life.
Interstitial Cystitis: Types
Below are the major types of interstitial cystitis:
Non-ulcerative IC: It is a form where no visible abnormalities can be seen on the bladder walls. However, the bladder lining may show subtle signs of inflammation.
Ulcerative IC: It is a less common form of interstitial cystitis characterized by the presence of Hunner’s ulcers. These ulcers can cause severe bladder pain and inflammation.
Now that we have a basic idea of interstitial cystitis, let’s discover its major symptoms.
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What are the symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis?
Below are the 4 most common symptoms of interstitial cystitis:
Bladder and Pelvic Pain: The pain associated with interstitial cystitis can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain. It’s felt in the lower abdomen, pelvis, urethra, and lower back. The pain tends to worsen as the bladder fills with urine and improves temporarily after urination.
Frequent Urination: People with interstitial cystitis frequently experience an urgent need to urinate far more often than usual. Even small amounts of urine in the bladder can trigger the insane sensation of fullness and an overwhelming urge to relieve themselves.
Urgency to Urinate: A regular feeling of urgency to urinate is also one of the most common symptoms. Unlike a UTI, the urgency in IC doesn’t typically result in large volumes of urine being passed.
Pain During Intercourse: Women with interstitial cystitis often face pain during or after sexual intercourse. It can make intimate relationships challenging.
What are the Causes of Interstitial Cystitis?
Below are the major causes of bladder pain interstitial cystitis:
Autoimmune disorder: Interstitial cystitis can be caused due to an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the bladder. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis could be found in people with interstitial cystitis.
Nerve sensitivity: In some cases of interstitial cystitis, the bladder’s nerves are hypersensitive, sending amplified pain signals to the brain. This heightened nerve sensitivity can explain why even a slight amount of urine can cause such unbearable discomfort, the feeling of bladder fullness being far more distressing compared to someone without the condition.
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Genetics: In certain cases, family histories of interstitial cystitis suggest a familial tendency in the condition. However, there have been no research studies that have pinpointed a gene that can cause the disease.
Allergies or infections: People struggling with interstitial cystitis often have a history of frequent infections or allergies. Chronic bacterial and viral infections could potentially contribute to IC symptoms.
Pelvic floor dysfunction: Tight or weak pelvic floor muscles may contribute to the symptoms of bladder pain interstitial cystitis. Pelvic floor dysfunction can increase bladder pressure and pain.
What are the recommended treatments for Interstitial Cystitis?
Below are the major treatments for bladder pain interstitial cystitis:
Oral medication: Some oral medications can help you protect the bladder lining or reduce inflammation. Moreover, some medications available in the market can help you get relief from pain instantly and relaxate the bladder muscles.
Physical therapy: Some patients with interstitial cystitis have pelvic floor dysfunction. It creates pressure on the muscles that support the bladder and pelvic organs. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a must to try to relax these muscles and improve bladder functionality.
Lifestyle and dietary changes: Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger symptoms can help you effectively manage interstitial cystitis. Keeping a food diary can help identify specific items that worsen discomfort, making it easier to adjust your diet accordingly. Staying hydrated and managing stress can also help you promote relief and relaxation.
Bladder distension: This treatment involves filling the bladder with fluid to stretch it. Some patients may experience temporary relief from pain after bladder distention however, the reason for this is not fully understood.
Nerve stimulation: Also known as neuromodulation, it involves stimulating the nerves that control bladder function using electrical impulses. Sacral nerve stimulation and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation are two techniques that can help reduce urgency and pain.
Surgery: This treatment is reserved for the most severe cases of interstitial cystitis that do not recover with other treatments. Bladder augmentation and cystectomy are the two surgical options available for treating bladder pain interstitial cystitis.
Understanding Interstitial Cystitis: Wrapup
We hope that the above article helped you learn everything major about bladder pain interstitial cystitis. This health condition is manageable if timely medical interventions are taken. Consult with a reputed surgeon before going for interstitial cystitis surgery.
In case of queries, we highly recommend you reach us on Whatsapp or call us at 91680-39000. Our urology doctors and surgeons are here to answer all your questions!
