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What You Need to Know About Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial Cystitis (IC/BPS) is a bladder condition that often gets misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the early stages. Interstitial Cystitis lingers and unlike a UTI, there is no infection present; however, it is a very painful disorder that causes pressure, discomfort, frequency, and an urgency to urinate. IC/BPS inflames and irritates the bladder and can cause scarring and stiffness. This disorder can affect both men and women. With interstitial cystitis, these pelvic nerves miscommunicate with the brain, and patients may feel the need to urinate more often and with smaller volumes of urine than normal.
It is estimated that approximately 12 million people have IC/BPS. It disrupts daily living activities and sleep, and it is a relentless disorder that is often gets underdiagnosed.
The following is information provided by the Urology Foundation:
Causes of Interstitial Cystitis
Experts do not know exactly what causes IC/BPS, but there are many theories, such as:
• A defect in the bladder tissue, which may allow irritating substances in the urine to penetrate the bladder.
• A specific type of inflammatory cell, called a mast cell. This cell releases histamine and other chemicals that lead to IC/BPS symptoms.
• Something in the urine that damages the bladder.
• Changes in the nerves that carry bladder sensations, so pain is caused by events that are not normally painful (such as bladder filling).
• The body’s immune system attacks the bladder. This is similar to other autoimmune conditions.
No specific behaviors (such as smoking) are known to increase your risk of IC. Having a family member with IC/BPS may increase your risk of getting IC/BPS. Patients with IC/BPS may have a substance in the urine that inhibits the growth of cells in the bladder tissue. So, some people may be more likely to get IC/BPS after an injury to the bladder, such as an infection.
There are ways to alleviate the pain, but the treatment options are done through phases to best treat the patient’s individual symptoms and thresholds.
These phases of treatment include:
Lifestyle Changes
• Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
• Diet and Exercise
• Stress Reduction
Medications
• Oral and intravesical drugs can be administered. Intravesical drugs are administered directly into the bladder via a catheter.
Neuromodulation, Ulcer Cauterization, and Injections
• Neuromodulation delivers safe and harmless electrical currents to the damaged areas and nerves.
• Ulcer Cauterization-If there is an ulcer present, a urologist can cauterize it to remove and alleviate the issue.
• Injections can include steroid injections to alleviate pain, pressure and urgency or Botox injections to paralyze the muscles temporarily, which helps with urgency.
Cyclosporine
• Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant and is reserved for only advanced cases that are not responding to other treatment.
Surgery
• Most patients do not require surgery. If necessary, a urologist will perform surgery to try and repair or strengthen the functions of the bladder.
If you have pain, pressure, urgency, or frequent urination, don’t put off seeing a urologist, as these conditions only progress with time. Getting a proper diagnosis and early treatment is critical.
The Center for Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Health in Venice, Florida, provides comprehensive and personalized care in a relaxed, spa-like office. Under the care of John Devine, MD, a fellowship-trained urogynecologist, the practice specializes in women’s pelvic health and urogynecology, providing care for women of all ages, from adolescents to adults.
Taking a patient-centric approach to care, Dr. Devine schedules ample time for patient appointments. He also makes himself directly available to his patients to answer any clinical questions.
The Center for Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Health provides comprehensive evaluations of female pelvic health concerns. Services include gynecology care to manage general health and wellness, as well as the evaluation and treatment of conditions and symptoms arising from menopause.
The practice also specializes in urogynecology, which is an OB/GYN subspecialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of female urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders, like pelvic organ prolapse.
The Center for Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Health also provides care to women struggling with interstitial cystitis or fecal incontinence. Additionally, Dr. Devine offers consultations and surgical treatment for women experiencing complications from mesh.
For patient-centric care from an experienced physician with friendly and accommodating staff, call The Center for Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Health, or request an appointment today. Please call 941-457-7700.
Center for Urogynecology and Female Pelvic Health
John B Devine, MD
941.457.7700
www.johndevinemd.com
Source:
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/i/interstitial-
cystitis
