Interstitial Cystitis 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. If you have this condition, you're not alone. Thousands of people (mostly women, but also some men) are affected by IC. Although IC currently has no cure, the symptoms can be managed to help you feel better and live more comfortably.

IC symptoms are similar to those of urinary tract infection. They include the following:

• The frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Pain or pressure in the bladder area, often relieve for a short time after urinating
• Pain in the genitals or anus
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Symptoms may go away for a period of time (remission), but they often come back again.

The bladder stores urine (your body's liquid waste) until it's passed out of the body. What happens in the bladder to cause IC is not clear, but some changes have been observed. The protective lining that keeps urine away from the walls may stiffen and harden so the bladder can't expand to hold urine. During certain tests, pinpoints of bleeding (glomerulations) may be seen on the bladder wall. Rarely, a crater (called Hunner's ulcer) may also be found.

 

The cause of IC is still under debate, but possible causes include the following:

• Damage to the protective bladder lining, allowing urine to irritate the bladder wall
• Infection of the bladder
• Allergic reaction in the bladder
• Neurological (nerve) problems
• Substances found in the urine that are irritating to the bladder

During your elevation, your doctor first tries to rule out the problems that may be causing your symptoms. Your doctor may begin by asking you questions about your symptoms and your medical history. Then he or she may check your abdomen and examine your genital area for signs of a problem. Certain tests may also be done.

• Lab Tests, such as urinalysis and urine culture, to test for infection
• Cytology (examination of urine under a microscope) to rule out cancer
• Urodynamic studies to test the workings of the bladder, such as how the bladder fills and empties
• Cystospy, visual examination of the bladder, tolook for problems. The doctor looks at the bladder through a cystoscope, a tubelike instrument containing special lenses and a light. Cystoscopy is usually done in the hospital with general anesthesia so you are asleep. Your bladder is filled with fluid to stretch the walls, process called hydrodistention. A sample (biopsy) of bladder tissue may also be taken for examination.

Many different types of treatment are available to help manage IC symptoms and relieve pain. Some may work well for one person and not for another, so several types of treatment may be tried before you and your doctor determine the plan that's best for you. Keep in touch with your doctor - tell him or her how each type of treatment is working. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications (taken by mouth or put directly into your bladder), biofeedback, electrical stimulation of the bladder, and rarely, surgery.

• Avoid certain foods that may worsen your symptoms. These include alcohol, spicy food, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, and carbonated drinks.
• Retrain your bladder if recommended by your doctor. This often involves holding urine in for longer periods to help stretch the bladder and increase the amount the bladder can hold.
• Manage stress in your life. Stress doesn't cause IC, but it can make your symptoms worse. Ask your doctor about techniques to help you relax and relieve stress. Mediation, massage, and yoga are some possibilities. Exercise is an excellent way to help relieve stress. Walking and swimming are two good choices that may be comfortable enough for you to do regularly.

Pain medications for a short time to help ease discomfort Antispasmodic medications to help relax the bladder muscles and decrease the need to urinate Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antihistamines to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain Antidepressants in low doses to help relieve IC symptoms, perhaps by blocking pain receptors

Biofeedback is a painless technique that can help you learn to control the movement of your bladder muscles. During biofeedback, sensors are placed on your abdomen. The sensors convert signals given off by your muscles into lines on a computer screen.

IC can leave you feeling depressed and alone, but there are resources you can turn to for support. Tell your doctor or nurse your feelings and concerns. Try to give your friends, family, and partner as much information as possible to help them understand your condition, and let them know what they can do to help you. You may also want to join a support group for people with IC. For more information about IC and IC support groups in your area, call the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) at 1-800-ICA-1626.

Cheyenne Urological, P.C.
 
2301 House Street, Suite 500, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
(307) 635-4131 - info@cheyenneurological.com
 

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