Interstitial cystitis might sound like a complicated and rare condition, but it’s relatively common and affects anywhere between 3 million to 8 million women and 1 million to 4 million men in the United States alone.Â
As the condition affects millions of women, then it’s understandable that many moms might come across it in their lifetimes.
If you’re a busy mom and you think you might have interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, or you’ve recently been diagnosed with it, then this is the guide for you. We’ll explore the condition in detail and share insight on how you can make it more manageable.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition caused when the signals between your bladder and your brain are disrupted.
Usually, when the bladder is full of urine and ready to expel it, a signal is sent to the brain through the pelvic nerves, and you feel the urge to urinate.
If you have interstitial cystitis, then these signals are more frequent, and you feel the urge to urinate more often and expel less urine.
This leads to pain and pressure in the bladder and pelvis and can cause other lifestyle issues, such as stress and emotional withdrawal.Â
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Common Symptoms Of Interstitial Cystitis
The most obvious symptom of interstitial cystitis is an increased need to urinate, but there are other symptoms too. These include:
- Pain between your vagina and pelvis
- Chronic pain or pressure in your pelvis
- Burning when urinating
- Pain during sex
Everyone is different, so you might not find that you experience some of the symptoms and not others, and to varying degrees.
Also Read: 10 Best Kegel Exercise Weights For Your Pelvic-Floor Muscles Health
Complications That Can Arise From Interstitial Cystitis
As well as the symptoms that you can experience, interstitial cystitis can cause further health complications and reduce your general quality of life.
Some of the complications you might experience as a result of interstitial cystitis include:
- Limited bladder capacity and an increased need to use the toilet
- An increased risk of urinary tract infections and other genital issues
- Problems with sexual intimacy
- Complications with pregnancy and childbirth
- Emotional issues as a result of the stress, lifestyle changes and pain
These complications can cause difficulties for you and those around you. Alongside the health issues that the condition can cause, those who have had interstitial cystitis for many years might face additional challenges.
Anyone who has taken Elmiron to relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis in the past might have experienced vision damage. That’s because the drug has now been linked to pigmentary maculopathy and can cause permanent eye loss.
If you have taken Elmiron in the past and think that it might have affected your vision or another aspect of your health, then contact an experienced lawyer for an Elmiron lawsuit. Experts like the Dolman Law Group represent individuals who have been affected by the negligence of the drug company in failing to inform them of Elmiron’s potential side effects. By working with an experienced Elmiron lawsuit lawyer, you can start to move on from the issue and find ways to adapt your life around your bladder and vision issues.
Treatment Options For Interstitial Cystitis
As its nickname suggests, painful bladder syndrome can hurt a lot and cause issues in almost every aspect of your life.
Thankfully, there are treatment options available, including:
- Dimethylsulfoxide is specifically used to treat interstitial cystitis
- Over the counter pain medicines such as paracetamol can limit pain
- Antihistamines can reduce urination frequency
- Lifestyle changes such as improving your general health can help you to manage the condition
- Bladder training can help you to reduce your need to urinate as often
The level of treatment you need will depend on your symptoms, general health and other factors, so your doctor can help you to find the best option that works for you.
A Final Comment
Interstitial cystitis is a painful condition that can have a significant effect on your life. If you’re diagnosed with the condition, or you suspect that you have it, then you will find that your life changes dramatically.
Still, that doesn’t mean that you can’t live a long, happy and fulfilling life. By using this guide to learn more about interstitial cystitis, you can stay informed and make the best possible decisions that will improve your quality of life in the future.
