Having a bit wee problem? Understanding interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain.

The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain. The condition is a part of a spectrum of diseases known as painful bladder syndrome.

The condition commonly presents with chronic bladder pain or urinary urgency and frequency.

People with interstitial cystitis tend to feel the need to urinate more often and with smaller volumes of urine than most people.

There is no cure for this condition but medications and other therapies may offer relief. The signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary from person to person.

If you have interstitial cystitis, your symptoms may also vary over time, sometimes worsening due to menstruation, sitting for a long time, stress, exercise and sexual activity.

If unmanaged it can lead to complications like reduced bladder capacity, lower quality of life, sexual intimacy problems or emotional issues.

Symptoms

• Pain in your pelvis or between the vagina and anus in women
• Pain between the scrotum and anus in men
• Chronic pelvic pain
• A persistent, urgent need to urinate
• Frequent urination, often of small amounts, throughout the day and night
• Pain or discomfort while the bladder fills and relief after urinating
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Causes

There might be anatomical causes like a defect in the protective lining of the bladder. A leak in the lining may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall.

Other causes may be an autoimmune reaction, heredity, infection or allergy. Age may play a role with people usually diagnosed in their 30s or later.

Diagnosis

The following may be helpful in diagnosing interstitial cystitis:

Medical history and bladder diary – Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and may ask you to keep a bladder diary, recording the volume of fluids you drink and the volume of urine you pass.

Pelvic exam – During a pelvic exam, your doctor examines your external genitals, vagina and cervix and feels your abdomen to assess your internal pelvic organs. Your doctor may also examine your anus and rectum.

Urine test – A sample of your urine is analyzed for signs of a urinary tract infection.

Cystoscopy – Your doctor inserts a thin tube with a tiny camera (cystoscope) through the urethra, showing the lining of your bladder.

Biopsy – During cystoscopy under anesthesia, your doctor may remove a sample of tissue (biopsy) from the bladder and the urethra for examination under a microscope.

Treatment

No simple treatment eliminates the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis, and no one treatment works for everyone.

You may need to try various treatments or combinations of treatments before you find an approach that relieves your symptoms.

Physiotherapy – This may relieve pelvic pain associated with muscle tenderness, restrictive connective tissue or muscle abnormalities in your pelvic floor.

Oral medications – Pain medication and anti inflammatories relieve the symptoms. Tricyclic antidepressants help to relax the bladder. Antihistamines may reduce urinary urgency and frequency and relieve other symptoms.

Nerve stimulation – This may relieve pelvic pain and, in some cases, reduce urinary frequency. Even increase blood flow to the bladder. This may strengthen the muscles that help control the bladder or trigger the release of substances that block pain.

Bladder distention – Some people notice a temporary improvement in symptoms after a cystoscopy with bladder distention. Bladder distention is the stretch ing of the bladder with water. If you have long-term improvement, the procedure may be repeated.

Surgery – Doctors rarely use surgery to treat interstitial cystitis because removing the bladder doesn’t relieve pain and can lead to other complications. This is usually done only after other treatments fail and symptoms affect quality of life. Some people with interstitial cystitis find symptom relief from these strategies:

Dietary changes – Eliminating or reducing foods in your diet that irritate your bladder may help to relieve the discomfort of interstitial cystitis.

Common bladder irritants known as the “four Cs” include: carbonated beverages, caffeine in all forms (including chocolate), citrus products and food containing high concentrations of vitamin C.

Consider avoiding similar foods, such as tomatoes, pickled foods, alcohol and spices. Artificial sweeteners aggravate symptoms in some.

Bladder training – Bladder training involves timed urination, going to the toilet according to the clock rather than waiting for the need to go.

Wear loose clothing – Avoid belts or clothes that put pressure on your abdomen.

Reduce stress – Speak to a psychologist.

If you smoke, stop – Smoking woresens bladder cancer. Also Exercise.