Painful Bladder Syndrome
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for painful bladder syndrome. As a global leader in urology, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.
When you need painful bladder syndrome care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What Is Painful Bladder Syndrome?
The bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra make up the urinary system. Painful bladder syndrome, or interstitial cystitis (IC), is a chronic condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. In patients with interstitial cystitis, the walls of the bladder become irritated and inflamed. The condition is part of a spectrum of diseases known as painful bladder syndrome, accompanied by pain ranging from mild to severe.
Causes of Painful Bladder Syndrome
The exact cause of painful bladder syndrome is unknown. However, there are several possible causes and contributing factors, including:
- A defect in the bladder lining which allows urine to irritate the bladder and surrounding nerves
- A long-term urinary tract infection (UTI) in the bladder
- An inflammatory reaction from the immune system
- Bladder trauma
- Damage to the spinal cord
- Problems with the muscles used to control urination
- Stretching the bladder by repeatedly going long periods without urinating
Signs & Symptoms of Painful Bladder Syndrome
Patients with painful bladder syndrome experience discomfort, pressure, tenderness and/or pain in the bladder, lower abdomen and pelvic area. Symptoms vary from person to person and may change over time:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Frequent urination, often of small amounts
- Pain between the scrotum and anus
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain or discomfort while the bladder fills and relief after urinating
- Pelvic pain or pain between the vagina and anus
- Persistent, urgent need to urinate
Diagnosing Painful Bladder Syndrome
Painful bladder syndrome is diagnosed based on a comprehensive physical exam, a review of personal and family medical histories and ruling out other conditions with similar symptoms. Diagnostic tests include:
- Bladder wall biopsy
- Cystoscopy
- Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of the urinary tract and kidneys
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture and cytology
- Urodynamics
- Vaginal swabs
Treating Painful Bladder Syndrome
There is no single treatment for painful bladder syndrome that works for everyone. Instead, treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms of each individual patient. Treatment plans include:
- Bladder training
- Lifestyle changes
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Surgical procedures