WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is interstitial cystitis? Interstitial cystitis (IC) is also called painful bladder syndrome. IC is a condition that causes pain in your bladder and pelvic area. You may also have ulcers in your bladder. The cause of IC is unknown. What are other symptoms of IC? - Pressure in your bladder and pelvic area
- Urgent need to urinate
- Urinating more often (urinary frequency) or waking from sleep to urinate
- Increased pain during menstruation
- Pain in the penis or scrotum in men
- Pain during sex
How is IC diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms. He will also ask about any medical conditions you have and medicines you take. Your healthcare provider may ask you to keep track of how much liquid you drink. You may also need to keep track of how often and how much you urinate. Your healthcare provider may order tests to rule out other causes of IC. Examples include urine tests or a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside your urethra and bladder. How is IC treated? The goal of treatment is to control your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the treatment plan that works best to help control your symptoms. He may recommend any of the following: - Nutrition changes may be needed. Certain foods may worsen your symptoms. These foods include citrus fruits (oranges, lemons), tomatoes, chocolate, and coffee. Other foods and drinks that may worsen your symptoms include alcohol, spicy foods, and carbonated drinks (soft drinks).
- Medicines may be given to decrease symptoms such as pain, urinary urgency, and frequency. These medicines may be taken by mouth or placed directly into your bladder.
- Bladder distension is a procedure to stretch the walls of your bladder using gas or fluid.
- Electrical stimulation may be done to control symptoms. Mild electrical pulses are sent to the nerves in your bladder. These impulses may help increase blood flow to your bladder or strengthen the muscles that control your bladder. It may also help release hormones that block pain.
- Surgery may be done to remove ulcers in your bladder. Surgery may also be done to make your bladder larger. Damaged areas of your bladder are removed and replaced with tissue from your large intestine.
How can I manage my symptoms? - Do Kegel exercises as directed. Kegel exercises will help strengthen the muscles that control bowel movements and urination. Ask your healthcare provider for more information on Kegel exercises. Tighten your pelvic muscles slowly. It may feel like you are trying to hold back urine or gas. Hold these muscles and count to 3. Relax, tighten them quickly, and release. Repeat the cycle 10 times. Do 10 sets of Kegel exercises, 5 times a day. Do not hold your breath when you do Kegel exercises. Keep your stomach, back, and leg muscles relaxed.
- Do not smoke. Smoking may worsen your symptoms. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can also cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Train your bladder to urinate less often. This can be done by going to the bathroom at scheduled times. Try to hold your urine when you feel the urge to go. For example, hold your urine for 5 minutes when you feel the urge to go. As that becomes easier, hold your urine for 10 minutes.
- Manage stress. Stress may worsen symptoms. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you find ways to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your symptoms get worse, or you develop new symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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