Interstitial cystitis Doctor in Houston
Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe agony. This condition is part of a broader group of diseases known as painful bladder syndrome.
Your bladder, a hollow, muscular organ, stores urine. It expands until it is full, signaling your brain through the pelvic nerves when it’s time to urinate, creating the urge to urinate for most people.
Interstitial Cystitis
Your urinary system consists of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. In interstitial cystitis, the bladder walls become irritated and inflamed, unlike a normal bladder. These mixed signals cause the frequent urge to urinate with smaller volumes of urine than usual.
Interstitial cystitis primarily affects women and can significantly impact the quality of life. Although there is no cure, medications and other therapies may provide relief.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary among individuals and may fluctuate over time, often triggered by factors like menstruation, prolonged sitting, stress, exercise, and sexual activity. Common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain or pain between the vagina and anus in women
- Pain between the scrotum and anus (perineum) in men
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Persistent, urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination, often in small amounts, throughout the day and night (up to 60 times a day)
- Pain or discomfort as the bladder fills and relief after urinating
- Pain during sex
Symptom severity varies, and some individuals may experience symptom-free periods. Although interstitial cystitis symptoms resemble those of a chronic urinary tract infection, there is usually no infection. Symptoms may worsen if a person with interstitial cystitis develops a urinary tract infection.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience chronic bladder pain or urinary urgency and frequency, contact your healthcare provider.
Causes
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, but multiple factors likely contribute. A potential cause is a defect in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder, allowing toxic substances in urine to irritate the bladder wall. Other possible factors include an autoimmune reaction, heredity, infection, or allergy.
Risk Factors
Factors associated with a higher risk of interstitial cystitis include:
- Sex: Women are more frequently diagnosed with interstitial cystitis than men. Symptoms in men may resemble interstitial cystitis but are often related to prostate inflammation (prostatitis).
- Age: Most people with interstitial cystitis are diagnosed in their 30s or older.
- Chronic Pain Disorders: Interstitial cystitis may be linked with other chronic pain disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia.
Complications
Interstitial cystitis can lead to several complications, including:
- Reduced Bladder Capacity: Stiffening of the bladder wall may result in a decreased ability to hold urine.
- Lower Quality of Life: Frequent urination and pain can disrupt social activities, work, and daily life.
- Sexual Intimacy Problems: The condition can strain personal relationships and negatively affect sexual intimacy.
- Emotional Troubles: Chronic pain and interrupted sleep may lead to emotional stress and depression.
Interstitial cystitis Doctor in Houston
