Interstitial Cystitis
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for painful bladder syndrome (bladder pain syndrome or interstitial cystitis). As a global leader in urogynecology, we are an academic-based, referral site serving our community and 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 renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest treatment that improves lives.
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 (bladder pain syndrome or interstitial cystitis) care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis?
Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), is a chronic condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. Some patients experience only mild discomfort, pressure or tenderness in the pelvic area, while others may feel acute pain in the bladder or struggle with urinary urgency or frequency. 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 Interstitial Cystitis / Painful Bladder Syndrome
While the specific cause of interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome is unknown, potential contributing factors include:
- Allergic reactions
- Autoimmune reactions
- Damage to the bladder lining (epithelium)
- Infection
- Genetic predisposition
- Irritation from substances in the urine
- Nerve disorders
Signs & Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
The primary symptom of interstitial cystitis is bladder pain that increases as the bladder fills and decreases as it empties. Additional symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, often of small amounts
- Urgent need to urinate
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Blood in the urine
- Pain and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis and perineum
Diagnosing Interstitial Cystitis
There is no single test to detect interstitial cystitis / painful bladder syndrome, as symptoms are similar to other urinary conditions. In order to diagnose painful bladder syndrome, your physician will obtain a detailed history and physical exam (including a pelvic exam) and may suggest various diagnostic tests and procedures:
- Urinalysis: laboratory examination of urine for the presence of red and white blood cells, infection or excess protein
- Urine culture: used to check for urinary tract infection (UTI) and identify the type of bacteria or yeast causing it
- Cystoscopy: The urologist uses a camera to view the inside of your bladder and urethra
- Bladder biopsy: Samples are removed from the body (with a needle or during surgery) and examined under a microscope to identify any abnormal pathology
- Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of the urinary tract and kidneys
- Urodynamics
Treating Interstitial Cystitis
Treatment for PBS depends on the patient’s overall health, medical history and patient’s treatment goals:
- Lifestyle and dietary changes: a variety of behavioral modifications to improve symptoms
- Physical therapy: manual physical therapy techniques designed to reduce pelvic pain
- Medications: a number of oral medications may be helpful for some patients
- Bladder instillations: a medicated solution inserted through a catheter and released after a short period of time
- Bladder stretching (hydrodistension): gently stretching the bladder by filling it with fluid
- Bladder botox injection: to calm the bladder muscle and improve sensation of pain
- Sacral neuromodulation: a permanent implant used to calm the nerves that lead to the bladder, reducing urinary frequency and urgency
- Reconstructive surgery: may be considered for women with severe symptoms that have not responded to other treatments