with Garvan J. Lynch B.Sc.N.U.I. B.Sc. Chem. G.R.S.C. B.Sc. Pharm. M.P.S.I. M.R.Pharm.S. of Lynchs Pharmacy

Interstitial cystitis — also called painful bladder syndrome — is a chronic condition characterized by a combination of uncomfortable bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pain in your pelvis, which can range from mild burning or discomfort to severe pain. The severity of symptoms caused by interstitial cystitis often fluctuates, and some people may experience periods of remission. Although there’s no treatment that reliably eliminates interstitial cystitis, a variety of medications and other therapies offer relief.

Interstitial cystitis symptoms include:

A persistent, urgent need to urinate.

Frequent urination, often of small amounts, throughout the day and night. People with severe interstitial cystitis may urinate as often as 60 times a day.

Pain in your pelvis (suprapubic) or between the vagina and anus in women or the scrotum and anus in men (perineal).

Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse. Men may also experience painful ejaculation.

Chronic pelvic pain.

No simple treatment exists to eliminate the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis, and no one treatment works for everyone. You may need to try various treatments or combinations of treatments before you find an approach that relieves your symptoms.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Some people with interstitial cystitis find relief with self-care methods, such as:

Dietary changes. Although no scientific evidence points to diet as the cause of interstitial cystitis, many people with the condition find that eliminating or reducing their intake of potential bladder irritants may help to relieve their discomfort.

The most irritating foods can be summarized as the “four Cs.” The four Cs include carbonated beverages, caffeine in all forms (including chocolate), citrus products and food containing high concentrations of vitamin C.

Bladder training.

These techniques may help reduce urinary frequency. The training involves timed urination — going to the toilet according to the clock rather than waiting for the need to go. You start by urinating at set intervals, such as every half-hour — whether you have to go or not. Then you gradually wait longer between bathroom visits. Bladder training may involve learning to control the urge to urinate by using relaxation techniques, such as breathing slowly and deeply, or distracting yourself with another activity.

These other self-care approaches may help you as well: Wear loose clothing. Avoid belts or clothes that put pressure on your abdomen. Reduce stress. Try methods such as yoga, and low-impact exercises. Try pelvic floor physiotherapy. Gently stretching and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, possibly with help from a pelvic floor physiotherapist, may reduce muscle spasms. If you smoke, stop. Smoking may worsen any painful condition, and smoking is harmful to the bladder.

If you are concerned that you are showing some symptoms outlined above, contact your G.P. for a consultation. If you would like more information call Garvan at Lynch’s Pharmacy on 4366923.