Coping With Interstitial Cystitis

This bladder condition causes long-term pelvic pain and problems peeing

- Dr Gill Jenkins

Also known as painful bladder or bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis usually affects women and starts in their 30-40s.

Main symptoms include intense pelvic pain below the umbilicus, and sudden strong urges to pee. The pain can be worse when the bladder is full, with temporary relief once you have peed, worse during periods or after certain foods or drinks. Symptoms may come and go over weeks or months.

The exact cause isn’t clear – there is no infection, so antibiotics will not help. Theories include lining damage irritating the bladder, muscles and nerves; pelvic floor muscle disorder; auto-immune disorder attacking bladder tissue, and an allergic reaction. Interstitial cystitis could be a part of systemic disorders, as it has been associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and lupus.

Your GP will examine you and test a urine sample to exclude infections or other causes, before referring you to a specialist such as a urologist. They may suggest a cystoscopy – a procedure to examine the inside of the bladder with a tube and camera. In some cases, cystoscopy shows the bladder is inflamed or scarred.

Treatment

There is no known cure. Lifestyle changes may be suggested, but medicines and therapies can help.