334-454-4448Interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a type of chronic pain that affects the bladder.
The condition causes bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain.
The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain. The condition is a part of a spectrum of diseases known as painful bladder syndrome.
How Does Interstitial Cystitis Affect The Bladder?
The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine. The bladder will continue to expand until full and then signals the brain that it’s time to urinate. This communication is sent via the pelvic nerves. This signal creates the urge to urinate for most people.
When a person has interstitial cystitis, these signals to the brain get mixed up. They feel the need to urinate more often and with smaller volumes of urine than most people.
Interstitial cystitis most often affects women and can have a long-lasting impact on the quality of life. The good news is that medications and other therapies may offer relief.
The Most Common Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
The signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary from person to person. Women are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis more often than men. Most people with interstitial cystitis are diagnosed during their 30s or older. It can often begin to affect some of the best years of their lives.
If you have interstitial cystitis, your symptoms can also vary over time. Common triggers include menstruation, sitting for a long time, increased stress, exercise, and sexual activity.
The most common Interstitial cystitis symptoms include:
- Pain in the pelvis or between the vagina and anus in women
- Chronic pelvic pain
- A persistent, urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination, often in small amounts, throughout the day and night (can be as high as 60 times per day)
- Pain or discomfort while the bladder fills and relief after urinating.
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Symptoms severity is different for everyone, and some people may also experience symptom-free periods.
For some women, the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis may resemble those of a chronic urinary tract infection. However, despite the pain feeling similar, there’s usually no infection. Others will begin urinating at night as a frustrating early warning sign.
What are the Causes of Interstitial Cystitis
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis isn’t known, but many factors likely contribute. For instance, people with interstitial cystitis may also have a defect in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder. A leak in this bladder barrier may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall. This is why we include our HOCATT in the IC package. intr
Other possible but still unproven contributing factors can include an autoimmune reaction, heredity, infections, and allergies.
What Problems Does Interstitial Cystitis Cause?
Interstitial cystitis can result in many problems and complications. These can include:
- Reduced bladder capacity. Interstitial cystitis can cause stiffening of the bladder wall, allowing the bladder to hold less urine.
- Emotional troubles. Chronic pain can cause interrupted sleep and emotional stress, which can lead to depression.
- Lower quality of life. Frequent need to urinate may interfere with social activities, work, and daily life.
- Sexual intimacy problems. Frequent urination and pain may strain your relationships, and sexual intimacy will almost certainly suffer. This can be one of the most “painful” parts of the condition.
