Interstitial Cystitis

It always amazes me the number of patients who come to see me and think that some amount of pain with urination is perfectly normal. Oftentimes, they’ve been recently diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC) and are looking for answers about the condition as well as ways to ease their symptoms.

IC is a persistent condition involving pain and/or discomfort (fullness, pressure, etc.) in and around the bladder. Patients with IC often report symptoms much like a bladder infection. Sometimes they’ve even been treated with antibiotics repeatedly for a UTI, despite having negative urine testing. Over 12 million people in the US alone have been diagnosed with IC, Often, their lives are profoundly affected by the condition. It’s not always easy to be an active participant in life when you’re constantly in pain.  

The causes of interstitial cystitis are largely unknown, but researchers have determined that it’s possible to have a “trigger” which may lead to the development of IC. Things like direct bladder trauma (such as with pelvic surgeries), autoimmune disorders, and pelvic floor dysfunction all can be contributing factors. It is thought that such a trigger causes damage to the lining of the bladder, allowing for long term irritation and inflammation.

And while they aren’t known causes of IC, there are conditions which are commonly seen in people who also have IC. The 4 most common are allergies, IBS, skin sensitivities, and vulvodynia (vulvar pain). 

There is a wide range of treatments for interstitial cystitis, and their effectiveness varies from person to person. OTC and prescription medications are one possible treatment. Diet modification, stress reduction, and improving sleep hygiene can also be important. And, of course, pelvic floor physical therapy can be an enormous source of help for some people with IC. 

Pelvic floor PT doesn’t cure IC, but there are a number of things we can accomplish together to help manage symptoms. Addressing pelvic floor dysfunction is the most obvious treatment, but y'all also know by now that patient education is a huge part of what we do. We can talk about making changes to your diet and about healthy ways to reduce stress. And of course we talk about bladder and bowel health in general. 

If any of the above sounds like you, hit me up. Let’s talk about ways we can work together to help you live your happiest, healthiest life!