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Interstitial Cystitis services offered in Newark and Milford, DE
Ongoing pelvic pain and a persistent, urgent need to urinate could be signs of interstitial cystitis. At Mid Atlantic Spine and Pain in Newark and Milford, Delaware, the exceptional pain management specialists diagnose and treat interstitial cystitis to reduce unpleasant symptoms and the risk of complications. Call the office nearest you to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
Q & A
What is interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder discomfort, and pelvic pain. It’s also referred to as painful bladder syndrome. Interstitial cystitis causes certain signals to your brain to get mixed up, causing you to urinate more often than normal.
While there’s no cure for interstitial cystitis, treatment at Mid Atlantic Spine and Pain can enhance your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of interstitial cystitis?
Common symptoms of interstitial cystitis include:
- Ongoing pelvic pain
- Genital discomfort
- Persistent, urgent need to urinate
- Pain during sex
- Discomfort when your bladder fills up
- Frequent urination
If you have interstitial cystitis, you may urinate up to 60 times a day. Symptoms range from mild to severe and debilitating. They may get worse if you develop a urinary tract infection (UTI).
When left untreated, interstitial cystitis can limit your bladder’s capacity to hold urine and lead to emotional stress, depression, and sexual intimacy issues.
What are the risk factors for interstitial cystitis?
While anyone can experience interstitial cystitis, common causes and risk factors include:
- Defects in the bladder lining
- Weakness or leaking in bladder tissues
- Autoimmune reactions
- Family history of interstitial cystitis
- Allergies
- Being a woman
- Being in your 30s or older
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Other pain disorders
The cause of interstitial cystitis isn’t entirely clear, but contact Mid Atlantic Spine and Pain at the first sign of a urinary problem.
How does my provider diagnose interstitial cystitis?
To determine if you have interstitial cystitis, your Mid Atlantic Spine and Pain specialist asks about your medical history and your symptoms.
They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, including a pelvic exam in women to examine the vagina, cervix, and other reproductive organs. Your provider also might evaluate your abdomen, pelvic organs, rectum, and anus.
They may also recommend urine testing, a biopsy, cystoscopy using a tiny lighted tube to view the inside of your urethra and bladder, or other bladder tests.
How is interstitial cystitis treated?
Your Mid Atlantic Spine and Pain specialist tailors your treatment to match your needs. They may recommend physical therapy, oral medicines, noninvasive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, sacral nerve stimulation, or bladder distention (stretching your bladder with water).
Your specialist also offers Botox® injections for the bladder, medications administered directly into your bladder, and surgery.
Making lifestyle changes can help too. Reduce or eliminate foods that irritate your bladder, reduce stress, don’t smoke, and get regular exercise. Train your bladder by waiting longer to use the bathroom.
To get treated for interstitial cystitis, call Mid Atlantic Spine and Pain or use the online booking feature today.