Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome
Interstitial Cystitis Care in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment planning for chronic bladder pain, pelvic pain, bladder pressure, urinary urgency, frequent urination, discomfort while urinating, pain with intercourse, and painful bladder syndrome.
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation or irritation of the bladder and the surrounding pelvic area. People who are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis may experience mild discomfort, pressure, tenderness, or intense pain in the bladder and pelvic area. Also known as painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis most commonly affects women.
Interstitial cystitis evaluation near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides evaluation and treatment planning for interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
Symptoms of interstitial cystitis may vary and can flare-up irregularly. Symptoms may be mild or severe and may include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- Strong urge to urinate
- Incontinence
- Discomfort while urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Over time, interstitial cystitis can also cause stiffening and scarring of the bladder and a reduction in the amount of urine the bladder can hold.
Patients may experience chronic pelvic pain, bladder pressure, tenderness, or discomfort while urinating.
Frequent urination and a strong urge to urinate can occur and may flare irregularly.
Symptoms may interfere with daily routines, intimacy, sleep, and comfort.
Causes of Interstitial Cystitis
The cause of interstitial cystitis is unclear, but some theories suggest that it may be a result of:
- A defect in the bladder
- An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the bladder
- A substance in the urine that damages the bladder
Some researchers believe that interstitial cystitis may be caused by infection, allergies or that it may be a hereditary condition.
A defect in the bladder may allow irritation and inflammation to develop.
An autoimmune condition may cause the body's immune system to attack the bladder.
Some theories involve substances in the urine, infection, allergies, or hereditary factors.
Diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis
Since the symptoms of interstitial cystitis are similar to those of a urinary tract infection, it is frequently misdiagnosed. A correct diagnosis is typically made by ruling out other conditions such as sexually transmitted diseases, bladder infection and bladder cancer. Tests may include:
- Urinalysis
- Urine cytology
- Cystoscopy
A bladder biopsy may also be performed so that the bladder tissue can be analyzed.
Urinalysis can help evaluate for infection, blood, or other urinary abnormalities.
Urine cytology may be used when other conditions need to be ruled out.
Cystoscopy and, in some cases, bladder biopsy may help evaluate the bladder lining and exclude other concerns.
Because symptoms can overlap with urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted diseases, bladder infection, and bladder cancer, evaluation is focused on ruling out other causes before confirming an interstitial cystitis diagnosis.
Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis
Because the cause of interstitial cystitis is not clear, no specific treatment option works for all patients. Treatment may vary depending on the symptoms as well as the doctor's and patient's preferences. Options may include:
- Oral medication
- Medication instilled directly into the bladder
- Bladder training
- Diet modification - Avoiding food that may make symptoms worse
- Surgery
Oral medication or medication instilled directly into the bladder may be recommended based on symptoms.
Bladder training and diet modification may help reduce symptom triggers and improve control.
Surgery may be considered in selected cases when other treatment options are not enough.
Treatment should be individualized. Your urologist may consider symptom severity, flare pattern, bladder capacity, prior treatments, food triggers, pain level, urinary frequency, and quality-of-life impact.
Ongoing Care and Symptom Management
There is no cure for interstitial cystitis, but after treatment many patients report that their symptoms are greatly reduced. Symptoms may recur, so it is important to be in contact with a doctor if diagnosed with this condition.
Flare-ups can happen, so ongoing communication with a doctor is important.
Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms, improving comfort, and supporting quality of life.
Call your doctor if bladder pain, pelvic pain, urinary urgency, frequency, or discomfort worsens, changes suddenly, or feels different from your usual symptoms.
Common questions about interstitial cystitis.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. A urologist can evaluate bladder pain, urinary symptoms, and possible causes.
What is interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation or irritation of the bladder and the surrounding pelvic area. It is also known as painful bladder syndrome.
Who is most commonly affected by interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis most commonly affects women, although bladder pain syndrome can affect others as well.
What symptoms can interstitial cystitis cause?
Symptoms may include chronic pelvic pain, frequent urination, strong urge to urinate, incontinence, discomfort while urinating, and pain during sexual intercourse.
Can interstitial cystitis flare up?
Yes. Symptoms may vary and can flare-up irregularly. They may be mild or severe.
What causes interstitial cystitis?
The cause is unclear. Theories include a defect in the bladder, an autoimmune condition, a substance in the urine that damages the bladder, infection, allergies, or hereditary factors.
How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made by ruling out other conditions such as sexually transmitted diseases, bladder infection, and bladder cancer. Tests may include urinalysis, urine cytology, cystoscopy, and sometimes bladder biopsy.
How is interstitial cystitis treated?
Treatment varies because no single option works for all patients. Options may include oral medication, medication instilled directly into the bladder, bladder training, diet modification, and surgery.
Is there a cure for interstitial cystitis?
There is no cure for interstitial cystitis, but after treatment many patients report that their symptoms are greatly reduced.
Can interstitial cystitis come back after treatment?
Yes. Symptoms may recur, so it is important to stay in contact with a doctor if diagnosed with this condition.
Where can I get interstitial cystitis care near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome evaluation in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule an interstitial cystitis consultation in La Mesa.
If chronic bladder pain, pelvic pain, urinary urgency, frequent urination, discomfort while urinating, or painful bladder symptoms are affecting your daily life, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss care options.