INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS IS ALSO KNOWN AS PAINFUL BLADDER SYNDROME
Approximately 25-85% of women with chronic pelvic pain may have IC (interstitial cystitis). The symptoms are urinary frequency, urgency of urination, urinary incontinence or pelvic pain. Painful intercourse may also occur. If you have these urinary symptoms with negative urine culture, the diagnosis could be IC. May appear in girls as early as under 8 years of age as bedwetting. The symptoms improve for a while, than recur after age 13.
Symptoms of IC could be very similar to those of endometriosis. IC and endometriosis could both be present. In fact one study showed that there was an overlap in 70% of cases. IC develops due to damage to the bladder inner epithelial lining following frequent infections, vascular insufficiency, increased pain response, substance P elevation and the alterations in factors such as APF and THP.
Some patients who have IC may also have the following: Fatigue Fibromyalgia Depression IBS Also as mentioned previously endometriosis may also be present. Treatment is medical and diet modification. Alcohol,spices,high acidity foods such as tomatoes,sodas,citrus fruits should be avoided. Smoking cessation and elimination of caffeine are also important.
REFERENCE
Interstitial Cystitis Association,11o Washington St., Rockville MD 20850
1-800-HELPICA
http://www.ichelp.org