Human bladder is a hollow bag like structure made of muscles to store urine. The bladder keeps expanding as urine gets filled in it and once the bladder is full, it sends a signal to the brain through pelvic nerves. The brain then signals the person that he/she needs to empty it.

Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic condition causing pressure and/or in the bladder and pain in the pelvis region some times. This pain can vary from mild to very severe. Interstitial Cystitis is one of the conditions under a broad spectrum of painful bladder syndrome. More than men, this condition affects women and only has medications to give relief to an extent.

Treatment for Insterstitial Cystitis - Urologist Chennai

Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis:

Interesting thing in this condition is that the symptoms vary from person to person and they vary over time in the same person. In women, the symptoms change with menstruation, stress or workouts. Typical signs and symptoms include:

  1. Pain in perineum area (region between vagina and anus for women; region between scrotum and anus in men)
  2. Continuous pain in pelvic region
  3. Frequent urge for urination, usually in small quantities but more than 2 visits to the toilet in an hour.
  4. Pain or discomfort when the bladder gets filled. Relief after urination.
  5. Pain during sexual intercourse.
  6. Few people may experience no symptoms at all.

What causes Interstitial Cystitis:

The exact cause of Interstitial Cystitis is not known. However, if the bladder inner lining (called epithelium) is damaged, the acidic substances in the urine may irritate the bladder resulting in pain. Other possible reasons can be auto-immune reaction, heredity, infections or allergy.

Risk factors for Interstitial Cystitis:

  1. Gender – Women get this condition more often than men.
  2. Skin & Hair Colour – People with fair skin and red hair are at greater risk
  3. Age – People over 30s are at higher risk.
  4. Other chronic pain disorders – Interstitial Cystitis may be associated with other chronic pain disorder such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or Fibromyalgia.

Complications that arise out of Interstitial Cystitis:

  1. Reduced bladder capacity – Interstitial Cystitis causes stiffening of the bladder walls. This is results in reduced urine holding capacity.
  2. Lower quality of life – Frequent urination and pain interferes with social activities, work and personal life. It also affects the sexual intimacy with your partner.
  3. As a result, this can lead to emotional trauma and lead to interrupted sleep, stress and depression.