Interstitial Cystitis is among the most common urological conditions leading to bladder pain, pressure on the bladder and occasionally pelvic pain. This condition causes the brain signals-which indicate to the brain that the bladder is full- to get confused making you urinate small amounts of urine and more often. Interstitial Cystitis affects more women than men and degrades their quality of life. There is no permanent cure, however therapies and medications from reliable Urologists in Miami Beach help to manage the condition in the best possible manner.
Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
Although the symptoms vary from person to person flaring occasionally in response to triggers such as menstruation, stress, sedentary lifestyle, rigorous exercise etc. Some of the common symptoms reported are as follows:
- Pain in the pelvis region and between the vagina and the anus in women.
- Pain between scrotum and anus in men
- A constant urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination in small amounts, throughout the day (sometimes upto 60 times per day)
- Pain and discomfort as the bladder fills up and relief as it is emptied
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Causes of Interstitial Cystitis
Exact causes of this condition are not known however people with a defect in protective lining i.e. epithelium of the bladder may experience this condition. This is because a defective lining leaks toxic substances from the urine to cause inflammation of the bladder.
Diet to be followed during Interstitial Cystitis
The basics of a healthy diet are known to everyone and it is specifically that diet which is to be followed during this condition. Specifically following tips can be kept in mind.
Look to put a variety of food items on your plate
Eat in moderation- excessive eating over and above your hunger can not only flare up this condition but also many others
Drink an adequate amount of fluids- not too much, not too less- this can be gauged with the help of the color of urine. If it is dark yellow in color then clearly the fluid intake has to be more.
Here are few food categories to actively avoid- sugar, salt, fats (saturated, trans fat and cholesterol from animal fat) and alcohol
Be an intelligent buyer- read the labels of food items and educate yourself on the various ingredients before buying a food product. Aim to eat only those products whose ingredients you understand.
Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis
The treatment for this condition is not simple and there is no one size fit all situation. Your consulting Urologists in Miami Beach may prescribe a variety of approaches before settling on for the one that alleviates your symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Consulting with a Miami Beach Urologist at Gousse Urology, a premier urological institute in South Florida, you are sure to find relief in pelvic pain caused by muscle tenderness, restrictive connective tissue or muscle abnormalities of the pelvic floor.
Oral Medications
Following is a list of oral medications- a combination of which may be prescribed to you to combat this condition:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Tricyclic antidepressants
Antihistamines
Pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron)
Nerve Stimulation Techniques
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): In this electrical wires are placed on the lower back or just above the pubic area to deliver electrical pulses to stimulate the nerves.
- Sacral Nerve Stimulation: A thin wire sends electrical impulses to the bladder eliminating the urgency to urinate so frequently and urgently. The pain from IC is only managed through medications in this case.
It is important to note that IC or ED are both manageable with the right techniques and care therefore take great care in choosing your urologists for your symptoms.