Interstitial Cystitis

Also known as painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis is a condition that causes increased bladder pressure, bladder pain and pelvic pain. The pain can range from mild, all the way to severe.In a normal body, when the body’s bladder becomes full, it sends a signal that it is time to urinate. This is different than in people who have interstitial cystitis. Those with the condition have the signals mixed up and they feel the need to urinate much more often, with a smaller volume of urine than others. More often than not, it impacts women and it can cause problems with the individual’s quality of life.

Interstitial Cystitis Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the person. It can be pain between the vagina and the anus in women, and the scrotum and the anus in men. It can also include pelvic pain, a frequent need to urinate, pain when the bladder is full and pain during sexual intercourse.The severity of the symptoms can also vary greatly. More often than not, you don’t need to see a doctor. However, if you are experiencing chronic pain in the bladder, it is time to contact your doctor.

Interstitial Cystitis Treatment

There are many ways to deal with the condition. One of the best is physical therapy to relieve pelvic pain associated with muscle tenderness or abnormalities.There is also treatment through oral medication as well. These medications can range from Aleve and Advil, to antihistamines and Pentosan, which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration.Nerve stimulation is another option that is used to improve symptoms and there are several types.

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation uses mild electric pulses to relieve pelvic pain and to reduce urinary frequency.
• TENS increases blood flow to the bladder, thereby strengthening it’s muscles.
• Sacral nerve stimulation is also used to reduce urinary urgency where a thin wire is inserted near the sacral nerves, providing electrical impulses to the bladder in a similar manner as a pacemaker.

Generally, there are plenty of treatments that can be undertaken to help with this condition, allowing those with Interstitial Cystitis to live a normal and healthy life.