The beginning stage of interstitial cystitis consists of frequent urination and occasional bladder pain. Uncomfortable sexual intercourse may be experienced during flare-ups. Symptoms are typically mild and brief during this stage. Symptoms have a slow onset at the beginning of the condition.
In summary IC begins with mild symptoms usually frequency/urgency (33% will ultimately develop urgency incontinence) that is slowly and insidiously progressive. Pain is often a later symptom but many patients may never develop it. In the early phase of IC the symptom flares are intermittent in most patients.
Stages of interstitial cystitis can range from mild discomfort in the pelvic area to feeling the need to urinate so frequently you may be afraid to leave home. Interstitial cystitis is typically diagnosed by ruling out other conditions that cause bladder pain or frequent urination.
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis isn't known, but it's likely that many factors contribute. For instance, people with interstitial cystitis may also have a defect in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder. A leak in the epithelium may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall.
IC is a chronic disease. Patients may find some comfort in the fact that it is not life-threatening and it does not lead to cancer. However, because the symptoms are always present, patients need to develop coping skills to deal with them.
Coffee, soda, alcohol, tomatoes, hot and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices and drinks, MSG, and high-acid foods can trigger IC symptoms or make them worse.
Doctors use treatments to either coat and protect the bladder or suppress inflammation. Medications for interstitial cystitis such as Elmiron may reduce bladder discomfort and pain in some people with IC and may work by repairing the damaged bladder lining.
The cause of interstitial cystitis (IC) is unknown. Researchers are looking at many theories to understand the causes of IC and find the best treatments. Most people with IC find that certain foods make their symptoms worse.
What Causes Interstitial Cystitis? The exact cause of interstitial cystitis are unknown, however many women who have interstitial cystitis also suffer from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Interstitial Cystitis Facts
90% of patients with IC are women, and the average age of onset is 40. Interstitial cystitis is not contagious.
There is no best way to diagnose IC. A variety of tests may be needed. These include urine tests, imaging tests, and biopsy. Treatments are aimed at easing symptoms.
People with interstitial cystitis (IC) have repeat discomfort, pressure, tenderness or pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, and pelvic area. Symptoms vary from person to person, may be mild or severe, and can even change in each person as time goes on.
Cystoscopy. Doctors may use cystoscopy to look inside the urethra and bladder. Doctors use a cystoscope, a tubelike instrument, to look for bladder ulcers, cancer, swelling, redness, and signs of infection. A doctor may perform a cystoscopy to diagnose interstitial cystitis (IC).
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and painful condition of the bladder. People with IC have a bladder wall that is tender and easily irritated, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Although IC currently has no cure, the symptoms can be managed to help you feel better and live more comfortably.
Patients usually try different treatments (or combinations of treatments) until good symptom relief occurs. It is important to know that none of these IC/BPS treatments works right away. It usually takes weeks to months before symptoms improve. Even with successful treatment, the condition may not be cured.
IC pain often follows eating trigger foods, which are usually acidic, spicy, or pro-inflammatory. What is this? Foods that make interstitial cystitis worse include acidic foods, foods with artificial sweeteners, and carbonated drinks. Many patients report more pain or flare-ups after ingesting these items.
Polyomaviruses, particularly BK virus, may cause some cases of interstitial cystitis.
Try to relieve as much stress as you can if Interstitial Cystitis (IC) pain is getting you down. Stress does not cause IC, but if you have IC, stress can cause a flare.
No known radiographic, ultrasonographic, or other imaging findings are specific for interstitial cystitis. Unless indicated to help exclude alternative diagnoses, radiographic studies have only a limited role in the evaluation of interstitial cystitis.
Heat & Cold Therapy
Depending on the type of flare-up, the application of heat and cold therapy can prove helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation linked to Interstitial Cystitis.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium — Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS; Elmiron) is an oral medication that was developed to repair the lining of the bladder in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
Surgical therapy.
Most clinicians with experience in IC feel that the best procedure is a supravesical diversion, usually with a cystectomy. Pelvic pain can persist despite cystectomy,107 further evidence for a chronic neurogenic etiology for the condition.
Pelvic floor physical therapy works to release tension from these muscles, clear out inflammation, and restore normal function. It's the only treatment shown to sustainably help a majority of IC patients, and the only treatment given an 'A' evidence grade by the American Urological Association.