Interstitial Cystitis

This is very severe and chronic pain of the bladder. Caucasian women are the most common sufferers of Interstitial Cystitis.

Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms

some of the symptoms include frequent urination and some sufferers will urinate up to forty times a day including at night. Many women with IC are simply tired and worn out from lack of sleep. Other problems associated with IC can be ulcers and lesions, and pin-point bleeding in the bladder. Women experience pain as a result of a filling, or full bladder, and this is alleviated after urinating but will return as the bladder fills again. The pain may be worse in pre-menstrual women, and if a woman engages in sexual activity.

Interstitial Cystitis Causes

A number of studies are currently investigating the reasons for IC, but to date there are no known causes for Interstitial Cystitis. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Endometriosis and migraines have also been reported in people with IC. Bladder abnormalities relating to the surface, blood supply and micro-organisms that are present may all be influencing factors in IC. If a person has auto-immune syndrome (where the body attacks healthy cells) can also be a cause, as could histamine release from large amounts of mast cells from within the bladder itself.

Diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis is often misdiagnosed as Bacterial Cystitis, a common mistake. Women with IC do not have bacteria present in their urine and hence antibiotics are of no use in these cases. There is no specific diagnostic test for IC.

In the diagnosis of IC the doctor will thoroughly check a patient’s medical history as well as a pelvic examination and a complete urinalysis report. When a doctor externally pushes on the base of the bladder almost all sufferers will report pain. The Urologist may perform a procedure called a Cystoscopy with distension. In this procedure, which is performed under a general anaesthetic, a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. The bladder is then distended and pressurised using gas so that the inside of the bladder can be viewed for any problems or abnormalities. A biopsy of the bladder wall may be taken to ascertain if cancerous cells are present.

Interstitial Cystitis Treatment 

People managing their condition is the aim of general treatment for IC. Treatments will vary because each case is different. Dietary change is the most common form of initial treatment, as many women say that some types of food and drink appear to worsen the condition. Women are encouraged to record in a diary what types of food and drinks they consume, and what symptoms occur as a result. Women should drink plenty of water to avoid concentrated urine in the bladder. Because the most pain occurs when the bladder is full, women are reluctant to drink lots of water.  This is a mistake because a build up of noxious substances in the bladder can actually make the situation worse. Smoking also increases the symptoms, so quit now.

Pelvic floor relaxation techniques such as massage and taking a warm bath are said to bring some relief. A technique called bladder training has been helpful for some women, and involves urinating at set times and gradually increasing the time between. Pelvic floor exercises including contraction and breathing exercises can be used to resist urinating before the set times. Low impact regular exercise can also assist, such as walking, swimming and yoga. Alternative therapies that focus on pain and stress relief are reported to be helpful. Always seek out a qualified and experienced practitioner. Some women have reported a reduction in the severity of their symptoms following bladder distension.

Oral medications used for symptom relief include; anti-histamines, immuno-suppressants, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, bladder coating medications, anti-depressants. De-sensitising nerves by placing small electrodes on the skin or through a device placed in the vagina and sending electrical impulses through them seems to be beneficial to some sufferers of Interstitial Cystosis, this is called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). For women who have severe and debilitating IC, surgery is an option where other treatments have failed to produce positive results.

Surgical options can include bladder augmentation (reconstructive bladder surgery), removal of bladder ulcers using a laser, steroid injections into the bladder, urinary diversion where a new urine storage pouch is created. With this procedure sometimes the bladder is removed and sometimes it can remain in place. A variation of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation called Sacral Nerve Stimulation is currently undergoing clinical trials. This involves electrodes being surgically implanted permanently.

Support – Sufferers of Interstitial Cystitis are encouraged to join one of the many support groups available. This not only helps alleviate the feelings of isolation but they can share management strategies and information. There are support groups worldwide for Interstitial Cystitis, and many online to support and assist people with this painful condition.