Interstitial Cystitis

Question 1

IC or Bladder Pain Syndrome

Answer 1

Chronic bladder health issue

Question 2

IC Symptoms

Answer 2

Pain / pressure in bladder
Lower urinary tract symptoms more than 6 weeks
No infection or clear cause

Question 3

IC Pain

Answer 3

May come and go
Gets worse as bladder fills
May have retro-vaginal pain or scrotal pain

Question 4

IC Urinary Symptoms

Answer 4

Urge Frequency is common

Stress and some foods / drinks can make it worse

Question 5

IC Causes

Answer 5

Defect in bladder tissue allowing irritants to penetrate bladder
Mast cells histamine release
Something in urine damages bladder
Nerve issue
Autoimmune issue (cells attack bladder tissue)

Question 6

IC Diagnosis

Answer 6

No definitive test

Diagnosis of exclusion

Question 7

IC Treatment Stages

Answer 7

1 - Lifestyle
2 - Prescription Drugs
3 - Neuromodulation, ulcer cauterizations
4 - Cyclosporine
5 - Surgery

Question 8

IC Meds

Answer 8

Pentosan Polysulfate - may restore bladder coating
DMSO - injected via catheter
Hydroxyzine - Antihistamine
Amitriptyline - TCA that decreases bladder spasms