What Is Interstitial Cystitis?
The chronic condition interstitial cystitis causes bladder pain, bladder pressure and at times, pelvic pain that range from slight discomfort to extreme pain. Our bladder is a muscular organ which is responsible for storing urine. It expands until it gets full. It then signals our brain the urge to urinate, by communication through our pelvic nerves. A person with interstitial cystitis, such indications become mixed up- making the person feel the urge of urination very frequently, resulting in smaller urine volumes comparatively to those of normal.
Women are more likely to get affected by the condition, which leaves a lifelong impact on their quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no reliable treatment that completely cures the condition, though certain therapies and medication tends to offer relief.
What Are The Symptoms Of Interstitial Cystitis?
Its symptoms differ from individual to individual. However few of its common symptoms include:
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Pain between the anus and scrotum in males and pain between the anus and vagina in females.
- Pain while having sexual intercourse.
- Pain in the pelvis.
- Consistent urge to urinate.
- Frequent, small volumes of urine.
- Discomfort or pain when the bladder gets fill.
In case of suffering from the condition, the above mentioned symptoms tends to vary from time to time, sometimes flaring in reaction to certain triggers for example prolonged sitting, menstruation, stress, sexual activity and exercise.
What Causes Interstitial Cystitis?
Even though, the exact cause responsible for triggering interstitial cystitis remains a mystery, however few factors are associated for playing a vital role. For example, an individual suffering from the condition may also have a defect in his or her bladder lining, called epithelium. Leak in epithelium tends to permit toxic substances present in urine to actually irritate the wall of bladder. Some other assumed, though unverified factors include:
- Allergy or infection.
- Heredity.
- Autoimmune reaction.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Interstitial Cystitis?
Certain factors linked with interstitial cystitis include:
- Age: it is observed that often people in their 30s get affected by interstitial cystitis.
- Sex: women are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition as compared to men.
- Chronic pain disorder: having some other chronic pain disorder for example fibromyalgia puts you at a higher risk for developing interstitial cystitis.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Interstitial Cystitis?
The condition can lead a number of complications such as:
- Problems with sexual intimacy.
- Emotional troubles.
- Impacted quality of life.
- Reduced bladder capacity.
How Is Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosed?
The doctor will need or suggest the following in order to diagnose interstitial cystitis:
- Pelvic exam.
- Bladder diary and medical history.
- Urine test.
- Potassium sensitivity test.
- Cystoscopy.
- Biopsy.
How Is Interstitial Cystitis Treated?
Clearly speaking, no simple method tends to eradicate the symptoms of the condition, whilst not every treatment is ideal for all. Your doctor will try different treatments or even their combination prior identifying the approach that eases your signs. Few treatment options include:
- Physical therapy.
- Oral medication.
- Nerve stimulation.
- Bladder distention.
- Medications instilled into your bladder.
- Surgery.
By : Natural Health News
