What is Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome?

As defined by the American Urological Association (AUA) is an unpleasant sensation, meaning any discomfort, pain, or pressure, that is perceived to be associated with the urinary bladder, also presented with lower urinary tract symptoms lasting more than 6 weeks in the absence of identifiable causes.

Truths about IC:

1. There are MANY myths out there about IC!
2. Approximately 5% of the population have IC with similar amounts of men and women.
3. Only 10% of people with IC have true bladder lining pathology. It is mostly a condition that involves the pelvic floor, nervous system, and the bladder.
4. Probably severely underdiagnosed according to the definition. Only about 10% of people with IC symptoms receive a diagnosis. 
5. It affects about 1 in 20 people and they usually end up having a delayed diagnosis and treatment and unnecessary use of antibiotics.
6. There is no Interstitial Cystitis diet! There may be 5-7 trigger foods that are different for every person. The best way to find out more about this is an elimination diet.
7. Pelvic Floor Therapy can help most people with painful bladder symptoms and is listed as a Grade A treatment that is recommended according to the AUA guidelines.
8. The pain from IC is real!
9. Many people can live a pain-free life.

What are the typical symptoms of IC?

• Bladder symptoms:

1. • Urinary frequency/urgency
     • Normal is 4-6 voids per day at 2-4 hour intervals.
   • Frequent trips to the bathroom at night
     • Normal is zero times at night unless over 65 or pregnant. 
   • Hesitancy or decreased urine flow
   • Bladder doesn’t feel empty
   • Bladder pressure
   • Incontinence

• Pain symptoms:

  • Pain above or behind the pubic bone
  • Bladder or urethra pain
  • Discomfort with urination
  • Pelvic pain: low back, hip, groin, tailbone, or pelvic floor pain
  • Painful intercourse
  • Painful or difficulty with bowel movements

How is IC treated if I come to pelvic floor therapy?

The Therapist’s job is to help you find the drivers of your pain or symptoms. This includes a full body and holistic approach:

1. • Orthopedic Assessment
   • Pelvic Floor Assessment
   • Self-care Practice
     • Normal sleep and rest cycles are important to manage pain cycles.
     • Being able to move in normal movement patterns is important to your body’s general health and pain management.
     • Nutrition is important to your health.
     • Stress management can be helpful to provide coping strategies and to regulate the nervous system that may be overwhelmed and in pain.

What testing can help rule out other serious problems?

• Urine culture to determine if there is an infection before starting antibiotics.
• Cystoscopy to determine if there is existing bladder pathology such as Hunner’s lesions.

Have there been studies about Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome?

Yes. There are two very large studies including the RICE study and the NIDDK MAPP study.

Resources for People with IC:

Interstitial Cystitis Association

Interstitial Cystitis Network

American Urological Association

The Interstitial Cystitis Solution Book