Information From Your Health Care Provider

INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

(Painful Bladder Syndrome)

Basic information

description

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder disorder. It is also referred to as painful bladder syndrome (PBS). Symptoms are similar to cystitis (an infection of the urinary tract), but no apparent infection is found with IC. IC affects women more than men. It occurs rarely in children.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary greatly for each person.
Pelvic pain and a feeling of pressure.
Urgent need to urinate day and night (up to 60 times a day). This also causes sleep problems.
Bladder does not feel like it empties completely when you urinate.
Pain during sexual intercourse.
Burning when urinating.
Vaginal and rectal pain.

causes

The exact cause is unknown. A breakdown or dysfunction of the bladder's lining (bladder wall) appears to be involved. There actually may be several causes, or there may be different disorders, rather than just one.

risk increases with

Females.
A family history of IC may play a role.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

None known.

expected outcomes

Treatments can help control or relieve the symptoms, but they do not cure the disorder. It may take time to find the treatments that work best for you.

possible complications

The symptoms may come and go over days, weeks, or months, sometimes years, even with treatment.
Chronic symptoms can lead to problems with your work, friends, family, and sexual activity.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

There are a number of medical problems that cause similar symptoms. They include kidney stones, urinary or vaginal infection, cancer, and others. Your health care provider will perform tests to rule out these other causes of the symptoms.
A physical exam will be performed and urine tests are needed to check for infection. A cystoscopy may be done. In this test, a thin, tube-like device with a camera is used to see inside the bladder. The test can be uncomfortable because the bladder is stretched. A drug (anesthetic) will be used to stop pain. A stretched bladder holds more urine so this test helps symptoms also. A tissue sample may be removed for a biopsy.
There are a variety of treatment options. It is important to find out what works for you.
Bladder instillation (a bladder wash or bath) is done at the medical office. It involves stretching the bladder by filling it with a solution for about 15 minutes.
Bladder training involves teaching yourself to urinate at certain times.
Counseling or behavior training. Learn how to relax and cope with stress, anxiety, or depression.
A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) device uses mild electric pulses to help block pain.
Surgery is rarely needed. It may be done as a last resort when other methods have failed.
Don't smoke. Smoking makes symptoms worse.
Learn about the disorder. Consider a support group.
To learn more: The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA), PO Box 17522, Baltimore, MD 21209; (800) 435-7422; website: www.ichelp.org.

medications

You may use nonprescription pain relievers.
You may be prescribed drugs to treat the symptoms of IC. Several may be tried to find what works best for each individual.
Other drugs may be prescribed for depression, sleep problems, anxiety, and severe pain.

activity

No limits other than those caused by the symptoms.
Regular exercise helps some patients feel better.

diet

Diet changes help some patients. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or artificial sweeteners; spicy foods, chocolate, soda/carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
Treatment is not helping the pain or other symptoms.
New symptoms occur. Drugs may cause side effects.