Interstitial cystitis is a type of chronic cystitis that causes pelvic pain and problems urinating. It’s also known as “painful bladder syndrome”.You might be experiencing interstitial cystitis if you regularly have pain in your pelvis and need to urinate frequently. To learn more, read on.Cystitis vs interstitial cystitisCystitisCystitis is a really common type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that causes pain when urinating. It usually occurs after bacteria from faeces enters the urethra and travels to the bladder, something which happens more easily in women than in men.Cystitis doesn’t always need medical treatment as it can clear up on its own within a few days – if it doesn’t, your GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics. You can learn more by reading this article: What is cystitis?Interstitial cystitisInterstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes symptoms similar to cystitis, but on an ongoing or recurring basis. It’s far more common in women than in men, and can have a significant impact on your daily life.This condition isn’t well understood, which means we don’t fully know what causes it to happen, or how best to treat it. Although there is no cure for interstitial cystitis, the symptoms can be managed with medication, physical therapy and lifestyle changes.Key differences between cystitis and interstitial cystitisCausesCystitis is usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, which can happen during sex or – in women – when wiping from back to front. It’s more common in:People with a urinary catheterPregnant womenMenopausal womenPeople with diabetesPeople with conditions that block the urinary tractPeople with a weakened immune systemMen with an enlarged prostateInterstitial cystitis doesn’t have an obvious cause and doesn’t involve an obvious infection of the bladder. It’s thought that it may be caused by damage to the bladder lining, a problem with the pelvic floor muscles, allergies, or a problem with the immune system.Another theory is that it’s a symptom of another condition like fibromyalgia or IBS.Symptoms of cystitisA painful burning/stinging sensation when urinatingThe need to urinate more often and more urgently than usualPain in the lower abdomenDark, cloudy and/or strong-smelling urineSymptoms of interstitial cystitisIntense pain in the pelvis i.e. below your belly buttonThe sudden, strong urge to urinateThe need to urinate more oftenThe need to urinate during the nightDurationCystitis may clear up on its own in less than a week. If it does require treatment, a short course of antibiotics should treat symptoms within a few days.Interstitial cystitis is an ongoing condition causing recurring episodes of symptoms over many months and years. If you’re a woman, you might find that symptoms worsen during your period.TreatmentCystitis doesn’t always require medical treatment, but when it does, antibiotics are very effective. This is because the cause is nearly always a bacterial infection.There is no cure for Interstitial cystitis, but the condition can be managed with a combination of treatments which you can read about below.Treatment for interstitial cystitisLifestyle changesThe following may help you manage your symptoms:Reducing stress with exercise, relaxation techniques and warm bathsAvoiding foods that seem to trigger your symptoms or make them worse – but speak to your GP first if you’re planning on making big changes to your dietQuitting smokingDrinking less before you go to bedTaking regular toilet breaks to stop your bladder becoming too fullMedicationSeveral types of tablet and liquid medication can be used to treat IC, including:Over-the-counter painkillers and antihistaminesPrescription painkillersMedicines to reduce the urgency to urinatePhysical treatmentsSome physical treatments can help with IC, including:Physiotherapy to massage the pelvic floor musclesBladder retraining to help you hold in more urineTENS machinesTherapyTherapy or counselling can be helpful if you’re struggling to cope with your symptoms. You can also get support by joining a Bladder Health UK Local Support Group.What to do if you think you have interstitial cystitisThe NHS advice is to see your GP if you “if you have persistent pelvic pain or you notice a change in your usual peeing pattern”. It may be that your symptoms point to another condition like an STI or irritable bowel syndrome, which is why it’s really important to get checked.Referenceshttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystitishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/interstitial-cystitishttps://patient.info/doctor/interstitial-cystitispainful-bladder-syndrome-pro
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