Interstitial cystitis (IC) or bladder pain syndrome (BPS) presents as a feeling of pressure and pain in the bladder area. It is a chronic bladder condition that occurs more often in women than men. UTI symptoms are associated with pressure and pain, although no signs of infection or other clear causes can be found.
The symptoms of IC/BPS may be constant or intermittent and they can range from mild to severe. The pain might be associated with sexual intercourse in women, and some patients also have other medical diagnoses such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome.
The bladder is supposed to be relaxed when not full of urine. The nerves in the bladder signal the brain when the bladder is full so that the brain can activate the bladder to contract and open the urethra sphincters to force the urine out of the body. The bladder then relaxes, and the urethra sphincters close to keep urine from leaking until you are in the bathroom and ready to urinate once again.
The pain, frequency, and urgency that accompany IC/BPS can cause a lot of stress and interfere with activities of daily living, sleep, and your social life.
Treatment of IC/BPS is not a cut and dry solution. Each patient must be worked up, and then the treatment plan is based on their symptoms. Different regimens are trialed until one that provides good relief is found. IC/BPS cannot be cured, but it can be put into remission.
Let the experts at Magic Valley Urology put you back on the path to a better life. Call 208-733-3404 for an appointment today.