A Deeper Look At Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms and Causes

What Is Interstitial Cystitis? 

Interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome, is a chronic condition characterized by pain or pressure in the bladder area. The cause is currently unknown. 

Because there is no single test that can give a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis, it is difficult to know for sure if you have it. Symptoms usually begin before the age of 30, but a diagnosis is not typically given until about age 40. (1) It is more common in women than men, and estimated that about 12% of women have early symptoms of interstitial cystitis. (2)

How The Urinary Tract Works

The urinary system is made up of the bladder and kidneys. Your two kidneys make urine, which is then stored in the bladder. The muscles of your lower abdomen hold the bladder in place. When the bladder works as it’s supposed to, you can hold urine for some time. When not full, the bladder is relaxed. Your nerves signal to your brain when it’s full and time to release the urine. Your brain then signals to your bladder to contract, allowing urine to leave via the urethra. 

Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms

The symptoms of those suffering from interstitial cystitis include: 

• Bladder pain
• Bladder pressure
• Frequent or urgent urination
• Pain during sex
• Perineum pain
• Pain in the abdomen when the bladder fills
• Waking up several times in the night to pee
• Small urine volume

Interstitial Cystitis Causes

It is not known what causes interstitial cystitis. There are possible relations to factors like:

• Autoimmune disease
• Allergies
• Bladder lining issues
• Bladder tissue defect
• Vascular disease
• Mast cell abnormalities
• Excessive protein levels
• Unidentified infections

If you have a family member with interstitial cystitis, it may increase your chance of getting it. You may also be more likely to experience this condition if your bladder has had an infection. 

Diagnosing Interstitial Cystitis

Since there is no definitive test for interstitial cystitis, getting a diagnosis can be difficult. Your conventional medical doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and may use any of the following tools: 

Medical History

You’ll discuss how your symptoms are affecting your life, current and past health concerns, any prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs you take, your diet, and liquid intake. They should also ask about your family history of disease, including interstitial cystitis. 

Physical Examination

Your doctor will examine your abdomen and the areas affected by interstitial cystitis. There may be a neurological component to this examination process, too. 

Urinalysis 

If you have typical symptoms of interstitial cystitis and your urine doesn’t show signs of blood or infection, your doctor will be more likely to suspect you can be diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. 

Urodynamic Testing

A urodynamic test may be used. It involves filling the bladder with water via catheter, then emptying it. This test enables your bladder pressure to be measured, since those with interstitial cystitis often have small bladder capacity and experience pain when the bladder fills. 

Cystoscopy

Your doctor may use a specialized camera that allows them to look inside the bladder. Doing so can rule out other issues that can cause symptoms of interstitial cystitis. If you have ulcers present that the doctor can see, then they can be fairly certain of a diagnosis of this condition. 

Interstitial Cystitis Treatment

Though getting an official diagnosis can be of some comfort to sufferers, there is no definitive test for interstitial cystitis. In functional medicine, rather than focusing only on labeling you with a condition, we want to make sure we look a little deeper. There is a reason interstitial cystitis symptoms are present, and these symptoms are your body telling you that it needs help to heal. In functional medicine, we focus on looking at the “why” behind your symptoms so we can help you find true healing. 

The treatment options we look at include evaluating the foods you eat, nutrient deficiencies, stress, sleep, and other lifestyle factors that affect your health and well-being. We can identify possible areas where you might need assistance and make a personalized plan to help you regain your health. 

The tools that can be used to address interstitial cystitis include 

• An elimination diet
• Physical therapy
• Managing and limiting stress
• Supplements and herbal remedies
• Avoiding smoking

Begin Healing From Interstitial Cystitis

If you are ready to get to the root cause of your symptoms of interstitial cystitis, we are here for you. Schedule your health consultation today!