Painful Bladder Syndrome
Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Painful bladder syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (PBS/IC) is a chronic condition that consists of urinary urgency, frequency, nocturia (waking up in the middle of the night more than once with the urge to urinate more than one time), and/or bladder pain, which tends to increase as the bladder fills. The intensity of these symptoms tend to range from mild to debilitating. The intensity of these symptoms tend to range from mild to debilitating. In severe cases, urinary frequency can occur more than 60 times a day during flares. Some foods and beverages as well as tobacco use tend to make the symptoms worse. Women suffering from Painful Bladder Syndrome may also suffer from additional pelvic pain from the spasm of the pelvic floor muscle, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, asthma, environmental allergies, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, vulvodynia and anxiety disorders.
Symptoms of Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Waking in the middle of the night to urinate more than once
Painful urination
Urinating excessively
Spasm of the pelvic muscle
Causes of Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
The exact cause of Painful Bladder Syndrome is not known. Multiple factors are a disruption of the bladder lining causing an overactivity of pain nerves in the bladder. Risk factors include young age, being female and a family history of Painful Bladder Syndrome
Diagnosis of Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
There is no test for the diagnosis of Painful Bladder Syndrome. We do complete a series of test to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms of Painful Bladder Syndrome such as bladder cancer, urinary stones, sexually transmitted diseases, or other gynecological problems. Finding the combination of options that will provide relief often requires diligence and patience. Dr Erhard will have you complete a “bladder elimination diet” to determine which particular foods and beverages make your symptoms worse.
Treatment Options for Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Non-surgical treatment options include:
Bladder diet
Pelvic floor therapy
Various medications
Bladder training
Biofeedback
Manual Therapy
Bladder instillations
Functional electrical stimulation
Surgical treatment options include:
InterStim™ Therapy
Spinal nerve blocks
