All You Need to Know About Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is also known as bladder pain syndrome. The bladder is an organ that is connected to the urinary tract system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Interstitial cystitis can cause people to experience pain in the bladder and forces them to urinate often.
Continue reading to learn more about interstitial cystitis, as well as as its causes, symptoms, cystitis treatment options, and medications.
Interstitial Cystitis Causes
Interstitial cystitis is more common in females but can occur with both men and women. The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, but doctors have linked the illness to the following conditions:
An infection in the vagina
An infection in the prostate
An injury to the pelvic area or buttocks
Surgery on the bladder, pelvis or back
Usually, interstitial cystitis starts after a patient has experienced one of those conditions. Some doctors suspect that symptoms are caused by abnormal changes in the lining of the bladder.
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Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms: What to Look For
All people with interstitial cystitis have bladder pain that gets better after urinating. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis can vary from mild to severe. Bladder pain may be felt in the lower belly area or around the area where urine leaves the body (the urethra).
Other common symptoms include:
Feeling the urge to urinate during the day or night even if you do not actually urinate
Urinating often during the day
Urinating often during the night
People might not have symptoms every day. But they can have "flares," which are times when their symptoms get worse. Flare ups can be caused by certain food or drinks.
Some people find that their symptoms get worse at certain times, such as:
During menstrual cycles (in women)
After having sexual intercourse
After sitting for a prolonged period of time
During times of stress
It is advised to avoid certain exercises, recreational activities, sexual activities, or body positions that seem to worsen bladder symptoms. A symptom diary may be useful for some patients to self-identify such factors so that they can be avoided.
Interstitial Cystitis Diet: Foods to Avoid
Bladder pain syndrome can be exacerbated by certain food and drinks. Certain foods and drinks are known to aggravate interstitial cystitis.
Food to avoid due to exacerbation risks include:
Caffeine
Alcohol
Artificial sweeteners
Hot peppers
Foods containing Vitamin C
The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) provides online diet advice for patients as a resource. Overall, the ICA suggests:
Having a variety of foods in your diet
Eating in moderation
Drinking adequate fluids
Monitoring your sugar intake
Staying away from saturated and trans fats
Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosis
There is not a specific test to diagnose interstitial cystitis. Your doctor may perform certain other tests and gather information from you to determine if you have bladder pain syndrome. You will most likely have to provide a urine sample.
A cystoscope is a diagnostic study that may be performed. This test examines the bladder for any abnormalities, especially in the lining. During a cystoscopy, a doctor puts a thin tube with a tiny camera on the end into the opening in the body where urine comes out (called the urethra).
Then, the doctor advances the camera until the bladder is reached. This allows the doctor to look at the inside of the bladder to see if there is anything abnormal.
Interstitial Cystitis Treatment
There are different treatments for interstitial cystitis, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological practices. Most people need more than one treatment. Different treatments can include:
Bladder training
Physical therapy
Medicines
Surgery
You can train your bladder to urinate less often by holding your urine for longer periods of time. For example, if you feel the need to urinate every 45 minutes, try to wait and urinate every 60 minutes.
Many people with interstitial cystitis have tight and painful muscles in the lower belly, groin, and buttocks. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to help relax these muscles.
The last resort is surgery if a person still has symptoms after trying all other treatments. During surgery, a doctor puts a small device in the lower back that connects to the nerve that goes to the bladder. The device sends electrical signals to the nerve that can stop it from feeling pain.
1
Book on our free mobile app or website.
Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
2
See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
3
Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.
Interstitial Cystitis Medications
Doctors can use different medicines to treat interstitial cystitis. Some medicines help heal the bladder lining, and others can reduce pain.
A medication called amitriptyline is the first-line therapy for interstitial cystitis. It is considered a tricyclic antidepressant medication. Amitriptyline helps treat interstitial cystitis as well as depression associated with chronic pain.
You can meet with a doctor at PlushCare to get a amitriptyline prescribed. The typical dose for amitriptyline therapy is 10 mg at bedtime and can be prescribed up to 75mg.
Side effects of amitriptyline include:
Dry mouth
Urinary retention
Constipation
Sedation
Weight gain
Orthostatic hypotension
Heart arrhythmias
It takes about 4 weeks of pharmacologic therapy before you see results. This is because the medication has to build up in your system.
For people who do not respond well to amitriptyline, there are other oral medications to take. These medications include:
Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS)
Hydroxyzine
Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen
Tramadol
Phenazopyridine
Methenamine
Cimetidine
Sildenafil
Can Interstitial Cystitis Flare-ups Be Prevented?
Yes, interstitial cystitis flare-ups can be prevented by:
Avoiding food and drinks that worsen symptoms
Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms
Getting treated quickly for bladder infections
Talk to a Doctor About Interstitial Cystitis Online
Talk to your PlushCare online doctor if you have symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Your PlushCare provider can help you come up with a treatment plan.
Your PlushCare doctor will work with you to determine the best medication for you to take and will check on you to ensure the care plan is working. Do not wait for your symptoms to get better on their own.
You can book an appointment here, or download the free PlushCare mobile app. The average appointment lasts just 15 minutes and 97% of conditions are successfully treated on the first visit.
Read More About Interstitial Cystitis
References
Mayo Clinic. Interstitial Cystitis Management. Accessed on December 10, 2020. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/manage/ptc-20252000
Interstitial Cystitis Association. Living with IC. Accessed on December 10, 2020 https://www.ichelp.org/living-with-ic/interstitial-cystitis-and-diet/
