The inescapable need to pee, not every now and then, but even as many as 60 times a day. Picture the heat, the pressure, the pain—not from infection, but from something physicians are still not entirely sure about. This is daily life for those who have Interstitial Cystitis (IC), or Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS).
This recurring illness impacts the bladder and pelvic area, leading to pain, pressure, and urgency to urinate that can greatly interfere with daily life. While it closely resembles the symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), the infection is not actually present. Instead, victims exist in a state of constant discomfort and misery that can contribute to depression and loneliness.
Let’s understand what IC truly is, what might cause it, how it’s diagnosed, and how you can find relief through expert guidance, like that offered at Healing Hands Clinic — a facility known for its top-tier care, best-in-class urologists, and compassionate support team.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome)?
Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic, frequently misdiagnosed illness that results in bladder pain and discomfort, pelvic discomfort, and frequent or sudden urination. It's a diagnosis of exclusion where physicians arrive at it after other urinary issues, such as infections or kidney stones, are ruled out.
People with IC often experience :
Although IC occurs in both men and women, it is five times more prevalent in women and usually occurs in middle age. Men with IC, however, are often misdiagnosed because the symptoms overlap with conditions such as chronic prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Interestingly, a lot of people with IC also have other chronic pain diseases like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, or endometriosis. This has caused scientists to think that there could be a systemic problem with the nervous system or immune system.
The definitive cause of IC is still unknown, but there have been some theories proposed by clinical observation and study. The most popular ones are listed below :
How IC Relates to Other Urological Conditions (Especially in Men)
Several symptoms of IC share features with other conditions of the urology system, especially in men. Enlarged prostate disease, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also produces urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia.
It is important to know the difference between IC and BPH in order to undertake appropriate treatment. IC is associated with bladder pain and inflammation, while BPH entails physical growth of the prostate gland, which stops the stream of urine.
Common Enlarged Prostate Symptoms :
Unlike BPH, IC seldom leads to pelvic or bladder pain. Yet, men with both conditions can experience greater discomfort and require more complicated treatment regimens.
Understanding these multifactorial causes is key to treatment, which is why the specialists at Healing Hands Clinic combine cutting-edge research with individualized patient histories to get to the root of your pain — not just the symptoms.
No one test can absolutely diagnose Interstitial Cystitis. Rather, physicians employ a series of tests and evaluations to eliminate other symptom causes.
Diagnostic Steps :
Since IC mimics so many of the symptoms of UTIs, kidney stones, and BPH, proper diagnosis by a urologist is essential.
Although there is no cure for IC yet, treatment aims at symptom control and quality-of-life improvement. A customized treatment plan as personally curated for each patient by Healing Hands Clinic produces the most favourable outcomes.
1. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
2. Medications
Some of these drugs also assist in symptom control of enlarged prostate treatment, particularly those aimed at relaxing the bladder and inflammation.
3. Bladder Instillation Therapy :
In this, drugs are delivered directly into the bladder using a catheter. Fluids can include DMSO, heparin, or lidocaine to calm and mend the bladder lining.
4. Physical Therapy Pelvic floor dysfunction occurs frequently in IC patients. A skilled physical therapist can assist :
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is also beneficial for men experiencing urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate.
5. Advanced Therapies :
If other treatments fail, options like neuromodulation (e.g., sacral nerve stimulation), Botox injections into the bladder, or surgical interventions may be considered.
The person who has developed urinary stones in their life are likely to develop them again. To prevent this, it is advisable to make required changes in lifestyle and diet.
Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome) is a challenging, often invisible condition that profoundly impacts daily life. Though it shares similarities with urinary tract infections and enlarged prostate symptoms, IC is unique and requires tailored management.
The good news is that effective treatments and coping strategies exist. Whether you’re dealing with IC, BPH, or both, the key is early diagnosis, consistent care, and a proactive approach to managing symptoms.
You don't have to go through it alone. With the right systems of support, care, and strategies, relief is well within reach and Healing Hands Clinic is here to help you find it.
A bladder instillation involves the insertion of a catheter to place medication directly into your bladder. You might be instructed to retain the solution for 15–30 minutes. It's commonly performed at a clinic and is minimally painful.
Most of the patients can start normal activities directly. A few may have occasional pelvic tenderness or urinary frequency for a short while after therapy.
Steering clear of problem foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and spices, stress control, pelvic floor physio, and adhering to a personal diet plan help decrease IC recurrence considerably.
Yes, urinary symptoms and pelvic pain can impact intimacy. Working with your partner and a urologist or pelvic floor therapist can assist.
It varies based on how bad the symptoms are. Some patients require weekly visits for one month and then maintenance therapy. Your urologist will individualize the schedule.