Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition involving irritation and inflammation of the bladder wall. IC is one of the most common underlying causes of chronic pelvic pain and can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
While IC can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities, most cases of IC are diagnosed in women during her reproductive years.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of IC isn’t known, but some possible causes include:
- Bladder trauma, such as from pelvic surgery
- Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
- Bladder overdistention – stretching the bladder by going long periods without urinating
- Autoimmune disorders
- Bacterial bladder infection (cystitis)
- Inflammation or hypersensitivity of the pelvic nerves (neurogenic inflammation)
- Spinal cord injury or damage
Many experts believe that one or more of these factors may damage the bladder or its lining. This damage can allow substances in the urine to leak into the lining and irritate the bladder wall, creating a cycle of inflammation and causing chronic pain.
Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
IC symptoms are different from person to person and can even vary in the same person at different times. With IC, you may have some or all of these symptoms, and they may worsen around the time of your period:
- Urinary frequency – the need to go a lot – as many as 60 times a day in severe cases
- Urinary urgency – a sudden, intense need to urinate, often with pain, spasms, or pressure
- Pain – may be felt in the lower abdomen or back, urethra, vagina or thighs, and frequently during sexual intercourse
Symptoms often worsen before a woman’s period. Sexual intercourse can also be painful with IC.
Diagnosing Interstitial Cystitis
Diagnosing IC in women can be difficult because its symptoms can mimic or overlap with more common conditions such as urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, pelvic floor disorders, pelvic congestion syndrome or endometriosis.
This is why it’s important to see a urogynecologist – a specialist in pelvic reconstructive surgery – who deals specifically with issues such as IC. These specialists can provide an accurate, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options
While there is no cure for IC, there are many treatment options available to help relieve and manage its symptoms. These may include:
- Dietary changes – avoiding symptom-triggering foods such as alcohol, caffeine, citrus fruits, and potassium-rich foods
- Bladder retraining – helping to regain control over the urge to urinate
- Specialized physical therapy – targeting tight pelvic floor muscles and trigger points
- Alternative/complementary therapies – acupuncture, Reiki, guided imagery, or therapeutic massage
- Bladder instillations – placing medications directly into the bladder through a catheter
- Oral medications – such as pain relievers, antidepressants, immunosuppressants, and antispasmodics
- Botox injections – to relax the bladder muscles
- Neuromodulation – using electrical stimulation to alter pain signals
- Laser surgery – used in rare cases to treat Hunner’s lesions (ulcers found in 5% to 10% of people with IC)
Most people with IC benefit from a combination of various treatments. It may take time to find the right combination of therapies, which is why working with a specialist who understands the complex nature of IC is important.
Why Choose Cooper to Diagnose and Treat Interstitial Cystitis
At Cooper University Health Care, our comprehensive urogynecology program is on the forefront of diagnosing and treating interstitial cystitis in women. Here’s why more women turn to Cooper for their care:
- Expertise you can trust: Our team of fellowship-trained urogynecologists offers a full range of today’s most advanced diagnostic and treatment services, provided in a caring, sensitive manner
- Compassionate, coordinated care: We work closely with you to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life
- Innovative diagnostic and treatment options: We offer the latest therapies and treatments tailored to your individual needs
- Commitment to education and research: Cooper trains the next generation of urogynecologists through a respected fellowship program and contributes to ongoing research in IC
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with a Cooper expert in diagnosing and treating interstitial cystitis, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).