Potential Causes of Interstitial Cystitis and Ways to Prevent It

Have you recently been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC), or Painful Bladder Syndrome? IC is a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall that causes pelvic pain, frequent urination, and more. You might be wondering, "Why?" and "How could I have prevented it?" 

I'm sure we all wish we could go back in time and do something to avoid getting IC. Although there is nothing we can do now other than to manage it the best we can, perhaps by understanding the urinary disorder, we can help others keep their bladders healthy.

Potential causes of interstitial cystitis

Although no exact cause has yet been pinpointed, I have come up with a few potential causes of interstitial cystitis based on personal experience and research. 

• It could be genetic. Studies show that there seems to be a genetic link to IC, but further research is needed.
• It could be an autoimmune reaction or allergy.
• There could be a defect in the protective bladder lining. A leak in the epithelium may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall.
• The bladder lining could be damaged from infection. Although it could have a genetic component, I believe my bladder wall started to become damaged the first time I got a urinary tract infection. After my third infection, the pain never went away.

Ways to avoid getting interstitial cystitis

Unfortunately, there may be nothing you can do to prevent the onset of IC. However, if you suffer from frequent bladder infections, you should know a few things that you can do to - hopefully - avoid getting this painful bladder disorder. 

• Take your bladder health seriously. Do what you can to avoid getting infections: Urinate before and after intercourse, drink plenty of water, and relieve your bladder when you feel the need. Never hold it in if you can help it.
• If you do get a bladder infection, take steps to allow quick and complete healing. First, see your doctor for treatment and take your full prescribed course of antibiotics. Stay hydrated, but avoid acidic food and beverages, which can be more irritating (yes, even cranberry juice). Stick with water. Consider taking probiotics to replenish the healthy bacteria in your body. Avoid intercourse until you have completed your treatment, and wear breathable cotton undergarments.

**Disclaimer: The author is not a medical professional, and this article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. If you are suffering from urinary symptoms, please visit with your doctor immediately. 

References:

Interstitial Cystitis, University of Rochester Medical Center 

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Britt-knee

Avoid These Artificially-Fragranced Products to Prevent UTIs

Sufferers of urinary tract infections (UTIs), like myself, understand how they can negatively impact your life. The symptoms can be unbearable at times. If you routinely suffer from UTIs or bladder infections, you might have noticed that certain things can trigger an infection. For example, I have found that products with artificial fragrances can be very irritating, and can sometimes even cause these infections. 

1. Commercial laundry detergents

Scented laundry detergent is one of the first things I stopped using when I realized it might be causing the irritation. I switched to a brand that carries scent-free laundry soap. Unfortunately, I have a large amount of fragranced detergent left so I sometimes use it for washing loads that don't include undergarments or towels, just to use it up. Definitely avoid scented fabric softeners, as well. 

Dryer balls work as well as fabric softener, but don't contain irritating chemicals

2. Artificially-fragranced body washes

Most soaps and shower gels are made with artificial fragrances, which can be irritating to someone who suffers from UTIs. Anything you use in the shower could potentially irritate the urinary tract. I have slowly been switching over to natural or fragrance-free body products in the shower, starting with unscented soap. I am currently looking for a good shampoo that will help avoid future problems. 

3. Perfumed toilet tissue

You may not realize it, but certain toilet paper brands contain perfumes, which should not come into contact with the urinary tract area. I am just one of the people who can always tell when I am using one of these brands, and always avoid buying them. If you get frequent bladder infections, you should try switching to another brand and see if it helps. Also, women should avoid scented tampons, which can have the same effect. 

4. Feminine freshening sprays

Avoid spraying anything onto underwear in an effort to freshen them. Even freshening sprays that were made for undergarments can be a bad idea for someone who is sensitive to artificial fragrances. If a clean pair (or a washing machine) is ever unavailable to you for a while, simply turn an old pair inside out. Really. 

*Note: This article was written several years ago, and previously published to Yahoo! Voices. I have since gone completely fragrance-free with my laundry detergent and personal products.

**Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only, and is not meant to replace professional medical advice. If you have symptoms that may indicate an infection, please see your doctor immediately.

Quick Ways to Soothe Bladder Pain

Urinary pain, whether caused by interstitial cystitis, an infection, or something else, can be unbearable at times. Sometimes, we need a quick way to soothe an irritated bladder. 

Try one or more of these ideas to quickly soothe bladder pain. 

1. Relax with deep breathing

When we are in pain, our first response is often to tense up, whether we realize it or not. When the pelvic muscles get tense during a flare up, it can worsen the pain, causing a vicious cycle of pain. To quickly soothe bladder pain, spend some time doing deep breathing and consciously relaxing the muscles. Breathe slowly and deeply into your abdomen, then as you exhale, relax the pelvic floor (similar to the way you do when relaxing it to urinate). Repeat as often as you think of it. 

2. Stretch sore pelvic muscles

You might notice that the muscles around the bladder are tense and sore during a flare up. After relaxing with some deep breathing and massaging the sore spots, spend some time gently stretching the muscles that are sore. The most important thing is to avoid overstretching; this can potentially worsen the problem. 

3. Soothe with heat and ice

Some people prefer heat, while others enjoy the soothing sensation of ice. When your bladder is in pain, soothe it with whichever works for you. Or try switching from one to the other; place a warm bag of rice or a heating pad over the bladder for one minute, then a pack of ice for another minute. Switch back and forth every minute until you are feeling better, for up to twenty minutes. 

4. Neutralize acid with baking soda

Some of us respond negatively to acidic or spicy foods. While it is best to stay away from trigger food, sometimes they cannot be avoided. There is a product called Prelief that can be taken before eating such foods to avoid bladder pain. However, if you still find yourself in the middle of a food-induced flare up, you can quickly soothe the pain with a combination of baking soda and warm water. Follow the measurement instructions of the box of baking soda. This solution should only be used when absolutely necessary, though. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Juan Chien-Han

**Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only, and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

Potential Causes of Interstitial Cystitis and Ways to Prevent It

Have you recently been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC), or Painful Bladder Syndrome? 

IC is a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall that causes pelvic pain, frequent urination, and more. You might be wondering, "Why?" and "How could I have prevented it?" I'm sure we all wish we could go back in time and do something to avoid getting IC. Although there is nothing we can do now other than to manage it the best we can, perhaps by understanding the urinary disorder, we can help others keep their bladders healthy.

Potential causes of interstitial cystitis

 

Although no exact cause has yet been pinpointed, I have come up with a few potential causes of interstitial cystitis based on personal experience and research. 

• It could be genetic. Studies show that there seems to be a genetic link to IC, but further research is needed.
• It could be an autoimmune reaction or allergy.
• There could be a defect in the protective bladder lining. A leak in the epithelium may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall.
• The bladder lining could be damaged from infection. Although it could have a genetic component, I believe my bladder wall started to become damaged the first time I got a urinary tract infection. After my third infection, the pain never went away. 

Ways to avoid getting interstitial cystitis

 

Unfortunately, there may be nothing you can do to prevent the onset of IC. However, if you suffer from frequent bladder infections, you should know a few things that you can do to - hopefully - avoid getting this painful bladder disorder. 

• Take your bladder health seriously. Do what you can to avoid getting infections: Urinate before and after intercourse, drink plenty of water, and relieve your bladder when you feel the need. Never hold it in if you can help it.
• If you do get a bladder infection, take steps to allow quick and complete healing. First, see your doctor for treatment and take your full prescribed course of antibiotics. Stay hydrated, but avoid acidic food and beverages, which can be more irritating (yes, even cranberry juice). Stick with water. Consider taking probiotics to replenish the healthy bacteria in your body. Avoid intercourse until you have completed your treatment, and wear breathable cotton undergarments.

**Disclaimer: The author is not a medical professional, and this article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. If you are suffering from urinary symptoms, please visit with your doctor immediately. 

References:

Interstitial Cystitis, University of Rochester Medical Center

Effective Ways to Relax Pelvic Muscles and Diminish Pain

Do you suffer from any of these symptoms?

There are many different conditions that can cause muscle tension and pelvic pain, from interstitial cystitis to pelvic inflammatory disease and more. When symptoms flare up, you might tense your pelvic muscles without realizing it. This tension only exacerbates the pain. It then becomes a vicious cycle of pain and muscle tension.

If only you could find a way to relax the pelvic muscles, perhaps you would be able to diminish the pain.

Actually, you can do just that. Below are a few of the methods that I have learned to help relieve pelvic pain. They really work! These are just a few ideas from the book Heal Pelvic Pain (affiliate link) by Amy Stein, M.P.T. The book has a more in-depth plan for relaxing pelvic muscles and diminishing pain. I'll warn you: It's not a quick fix. You have to put time and effort into healing your body - or at least, feeling the best you can under the circumstances. Perhaps I'll review the book in another post; for now, let's go over five ways you can relax your muscles and help alleviate the pain.

1. Relax pelvic muscles with deep breathing

Spend some time consciously deep breathing each day, every time you think of it. It is easy to do without drawing attention to yourself. First, inhale while expanding your belly. Then exhale, letting out the air first from your upper lungs then your belly, and relax the pelvic floor (the group of muscles that hold your pelvic organs). Breathe slowly, inhaling for three to five seconds and exhaling for four to six seconds. 

2. Diminish pelvic pain with gentle stretches

When the muscles are chronically tense, they become short and weakened over time. To heal them, you will need to spend some time stretching your muscles and lengthening them. It is important to relax the muscles and to avoid overstretching them, which can cause even more damage. In the book I mentioned above, the author explains this in more detail, and even provides an effective stretching routine that will help you heal your pain. 

3. Massage pelvic muscles to relieve pain

In addition to deep breathing and stretching, you might also find relief for your pelvic pain with massage. Before stretching, relax the muscles by gently massaging them, paying particular attention to sore spots. Massage your thighs, abdomen, butt muscles, and the pelvic floor, focusing on a different area each day. 

4. Utilize heat to relax pelvic muscles

On days when the pain is really getting you down, a heating pad or warm rice bag can help to relax your pelvic muscles and relieve the pain. Make sure it isn't too hot, and avoid placing it directly on your skin. Some people have found that it helps to alternate between heat and ice. Do whatever helps you feel better. 

5. Go on daily walks to get your blood circulating

Exercise is an important way to keep your blood circulating, which will prevent it from pooling in the pelvic region. However, certain types of exercise can make the problem worse. Walking for up to an hour each day will keep your blood circulating and lift your spirits, especially on down days. 

If you suffer from chronic pelvic pain, give these ideas some consideration. I did, and I still implement them into my daily life (okay, sometimes I slack on some of them, but they are most beneficial if done regularly). Please feel free to share your results in the comments below.
 

*Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only, and should only be used, with the consent of your medical professional, alongside your prescribed treatments. 

**Note: This article was previously published at Yahoo! Voices and the rights reverted back to the author when the site closed. 

Photos courtesy of Flickr / sportEX journals

How is Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Diagnosed?

The road to getting an interstitial cystitis diagnosis

Interstitial Cystitis (IC), or Painful Bladder Syndrome, can be difficult to diagnose, and it can go a long time undiagnosed. For many, it feels like a bladder infection that won't go away. It might even start out as an infection, which is what I believe caused my IC. 

How do you get an interstitial cystitis diagnosis? 

The key to diagnosing this painful condition is ruling out all other problems, such as bladder infections, stones, and cancer. 

1. Urine culture

When the urine test at the clinic comes back negative for a bladder infection, your doctor might perform a pelvic exam or send your urine in to be cultured. A culture can determine whether there are bacteria in your urine, and what type. If that also comes back clear, you will need to go through further examination and testing to determine whether you have interstitial cystitis or another problem. 

2. Ultrasound

The next step in diagnosing IC might be to get a pelvic ultrasound to make sure all your organs in this area look normal. For this, you will need to make sure your bladder is full, which can be uncomfortable. If you have given birth, for example, something might have gotten kinked, damaged, or moved out of place. 

3. Cystoscopy

A cystoscopy involves inserting a tiny scope into the bladder to look for abnormalities, such as cysts. People with interstitial cystitis might have tiny cysts inside the bladder, which can cause the pain you are feeling. This is a very uncomfortable procedure, but it can take as little time as five minutes. 

4. Intravenous pyelogram

Your urologist might also want to check your kidneys to make sure they are not causing your urinary problems. During an intravenous pyelogram, a contrast solution will be injected into your veins. This will make it easier to see your kidneys on an x-ray.

5. Potassium sensitivity test

I never had a potassium sensitivity test to determine an interstitial cystitis diagnosis, but I have learned that it involves running water and potassium (separately) into the bladder and testing for sensitivity to the potassium. A normal bladder has a healthy lining that protects against irritation, but this lining in an IC bladder might be too damaged to do so. 

These are a few tests that you might experience as your doctor tries to rule out all other possibilities and give you a painful bladder syndrome, or interstitial cystitis, diagnosis.  

**Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be used in place of professional medical advice. If you have any symptoms of IC, please consult with your doctor. 

References:

Diagnosing and Treating Interstitial Cystitis, Harvard Medical School  

Note: This article was previously published at Yahoo! Voices and the rights reverted back to the author when the site closed.

Coming Soon...

It seems I have, once again, started a new blog. It can be addicting. There's something about starting fresh with a clean slate.

The reason I started this blog, besides the fact that I have personal experience with bladder and pelvic pain, is that I have a handful of articles I previously wrote for Yahoo! Voices that were taken down when the site closed. It's such a waste to leave those articles unpublished, especially when some of it could be helpful to someone - maybe even you.

I have done a lot of research and tried a LOT of home "remedies" for bladder pain. Let's share our ideas and help one another find relief from this horrible condition.

More ideas are coming soon...