FAQ - cystitis, interstitial
(Powered by Yahoo! Answers)

Interstitial cystitis from rough sex once?


Is it possible to get interstitial cystitis (IC) from having extremely rough sex one time? It was my first time a month ago and ever since I have been having UTI symptoms, but no infection.
Clarification: This is not just plain cystitis I am asking about, but interstitial cystitis, which is a chronic condition in which no bacteria is present.
----------

interstitial cystitis isnt caused by sex, they actually dont fully know what causes is.... One of the symptoms is pain during intercourse but its not considered a cause...

"The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, though several theories have been put forward (these include autoimmune, neurologic, allergic and genetic)."  (+ info)

Hi, I would like to know if there are any Interstitial Cystitis patients in Canada?


I am looking into starting a support group in Montreal.
----------

Hi - I have IC - we have groups in the USA. Here is the site (below). Maybe you can find information there.  (+ info)

Can Interstitial Cystitis Cause me not to have kids?


I'm just wondering because it really scares me.I have interstitial cystitis.For those of u who dont know what it is..it basically means i have to go pee a lot and sometimes it'll feel like i have to pee and i really dont.i dont know much about it myself.But i'm just scared that this will make me not be able to have kids,b/c i also get a lot of uti's (urinary tract infections).
----------

No, IC does not cause infertility. It is sometimes associated with endometroisis.  (+ info)

I have Interstitial Cystitis. How are others coping with it and/or being treated for it if at all?


Causes
The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, though several theories have been put forward (these include autoimmune, neurologic, allergic and genetic). Regardless of the origin, it is clear that IC patients struggle with a damaged mucin, aka the GAG layer, aka bladdering lining. When this protective coating is damaged (perhaps via a UTI, excessive consumption of coffees or sodas, traumatic injury, etc.), urinary chemicals can "leak" into surrounding tissues causing pain, inflammation and urinary symptoms. Oral medications like Elmiron and medications which are placed directly into the bladder via a catheter work to repair and hopefully rebuild this damaged/wounded lining, allowing for a reduction in symptoms.

Recent work by the University of Maryland, Baltimore indicates that genetics are a factor in, and may even (in some cases) be the cause of IC. Two genes, FZD8 and PAND, are associated with the syndrome. FZD8, at gene map locus 10p11.2, is assocated with an antiproliferative factor secreted by the bladders of IC patients which "profoundly inhibits bladder cell proliferation," thus causing the missing bladder lining. PAND, at gene map locus 13q22-q32, is associated with a constellation of disorders (a "pleiotropic syndrome") including IC and other bladder and kidney problems, thyroid diseases, serious headaches/migraines, panic disorder, and mitral valve prolapse.

[edit]
Symptoms
It may well be that the symptoms of interstitial cystitis have multiple causes, and IC is actually several syndromes which will eventually be discerned. For example, patients with Hunner's Ulcers are believed to be the most advanced cases. They have larger "wounds" in the bladder that are much more difficult to treat. It is estimated that only 5 to 10% of patients have these ulcers. Far more patients may experience a very mild form of IC, in which they have no visible wounds in their bladder, yet struggle with symptoms of frequency, urgency and/or pain. Still other patients may have discomfort only in their urethra, while others struggle with pain in the entire pelvis. Some patients may experience pelvic floor tightness and dysfunction, while others have normal muscle tone.

Often the symptoms of IC are misdiagnosed as a "common" bladder infection (cystitis), however unlike cystitis, IC has not been conclusively proven to be a bacterial infection and the mis-prescribed treatment of antibiotics is ineffective. The symptoms of IC may also initially be attributed to prostatitis and epididymitis (in men) and endometriosis and uterine fibroids (in women).

[edit]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis has been greatly simplied in recent years with the development of two new methodologies. The Pelvic Pain Urgency/Frequency (PUF) Patient Survey, created by C. Lowell Parsons, is a short questionnaire that will help doctors identify if pelvic pain could be coming from the bladder. The KCL Test, aka the Potassium Sensitivity Test, uses a mild potassium solution to test the integrity of the bladder wall. Though the latter is not specific for IC, it has been determined to be helpful in predicting the use of compounds, such as pentosan, which are designed to help repair the GAG layer. The previous "gold standard" test for IC was the use of hydrodistention with cystoscopy. Researchers, however, determined that this visual examination of the bladder wall after stretching the bladder was also not specific for IC and that the test, itself, can contribute to the development of small glomerulations (aka petechial hemorrhages) often found in IC. Thus, a diagnosis of IC is one of exclusion, as well as a review of clinical symptoms.

[edit]
Treatment
[edit]
Diet
The foundation of therapy is a modification of diet to help patients avoid those foods which can will further irritate the damaged bladder wall. Common offenders include coffees, teas, herbal teas, green teas, all sodas (particularly diet), concentrated fruit juices, multivitamins, monosodium glutamate, chocolate, and potassium-rich foods such as bananas. Most IC support groups and many urology clinics have diet lists available.

The problem with diet triggers is that they vary from person to person: the best way for a person to discover his or her own triggers is to use an elimination diet. This is where someone cuts out all foods except the basics (e.g. potatoes, bread, rice, water) and then introduces new foods one at a time. Trying to discover which foods are one's own triggers without the use of an elimination diet is like trying to do a scientific experiment whilst altering 10 variables all at once.

[edit]
Bladder coatings
As recently as a decade ago, treatments available were limited to the use of astringent instillations, such as clorpactin or silver nitrate, designed to kill infection and/or strip off the bladder lining. In 2005, our understanding of IC has improved dramatically and these therapies are now no longer done. Rather, IC therapy is typically multi-modal, including the use of a bladder coating, an antihistamine to help control mast cell activity and a low dose antidepressant to fight neuroinflammation.

The two US FDA approved therapies for IC have had recent setbacks in various research studies. Oral Elmiron (aka pentosan polysulfate) is believed to provide a protective coating in the bladder, however data released in late 2005 by Alza Pharmaceuticals suggests that 84% of Elmiron is eliminated, intact, in feces. Another 6% is excreted via urine. Reference: Metabolism of [3H]pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) in healthy human volunteers. Xenobiotica. 2005 Aug;35(8):775-84. In addition, the NIH funded ICCTG study of pentosan revealed results only slightly better than placebo.

DMSO, a wood pulp extract, is the only approved bladder instillation for IC yet it is much less frequently used in urology clinics. Research studies presented at recent conferences of the American Urological Association by C. Subah Packer have demonstrated that the FDA approved dosage of a 50% solution of DMSO had the potential of creating irreversible muscle contraction. However, a lesser solution of 25% was found to be reversible. Long term use is questionable, at best, particularly given the fact that the method of action of DMSO is not fully understood.

More recently, the use of a "rescue instillation" composed of elmiron or heparin, cystistat, lidocaine and sodium bicarbonate, has generated considerable excitement in the IC community because it is the first therapeutic intervention that can be used to reduce a flare of symptoms. Published studies report a 90% effectiveness in reducing symptoms.

Another bladder coating treatment is that of Cystistat(TM) which consists primarily of sodium hyaluronate. It is believed to replace the deficient GAG layer on the bladder wall. Like most other intravesical bladder treatments, this treatment requires the patient to lie for 20 - 40 minutes, turning over every ten minutes, to allow the chemical to 'soak in' and give a good coating, before it is passed out with the urine.

[edit]
Pelvic floor treatments
Pelvic floor dysfunction may also be a contributing factor thus most major IC clinics now evaluate the pelvic floor and/or refer patients directly to a physical therapist for a prompt treatment of pelvic floor muscle tension or weakness. Pain in the bladder and/or pelvis can trigger long term, chronic pelvic floor tension which is often described by women as a burning sensation, particularly in the vagina. Men with pelvic floor tension experience referred pain, particularly at the tip of their penis. In 9 out 10 IC patients struggling with painful sexual relations, muscle tension is the primary cause of that pain and discomfort. Tender trigger points, small tight bundles of muscle, may also be found in the pelvic floor.

Pelvic floor dysfunction is a fairly new area of specialty for physical therapists world wide. The goal of therapy is to relax and lengthen the pelvic floor muscles, rather than to tighten and/or strengthen them as is the goal of therapy for patients with incontinence. Thus, traditional exercises such as Kegels, can be helpful as they strengthen the muscles, however they can provoke pain and additional muscle tension. A specially trained physical therapist can provide direct, hands on, evaluation of the muscles, both externally and internally. While weekly therapy is certainly valuable, most providers also suggest an aggressive self-care regimen at home to help combat muscle tension, such as daily muscle relaxation audiotapes, stress reduction and anxiety management on a daily basis. Anxiety is often found in patients with painful conditions and can subconsciouly trigger muscle tension.

[edit]
Pain control
Pain control is usually necessary in the IC treatment plan. The pain of IC has been rated equivalent to cancer pain and should not be ignored to avoid central sensitization. The use of a variety of traditional pain medications, including opiates, is often necessary to treat the varying degrees of pain. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and biofeedback are also beneficial to some patients. Even children with IC should be appropriately addressed regarding pelvic pain, and receive necessary treatment to manage it.

Electronic pain-killing options include TENS (a machine connected to sticky pads which one palces on their body at certain pressure points; the tens machine sends electrical impulses to the skin, using the human body as an 'earth'). PTNS stimulators have also been used, with varying degrees of success. This is similar to a TENS treatment, except a needle is used rather than sticky pads.

[edit]
Other treatments
Bladder distentions (a procedure which stretches the bladder capacity, done under general anaesthetic) have shown some success in reducing urinary frequency and giving pain relief to patients. However, many experts still cannot understand precisely how this can cause pain relief. Unfortunately, the relief achieved by bladder distentions is only temporary (weeks or months) and consequently, it is not really viable as a long-term treatment for Interstitial Cystitis: it is generally only used in extreme cases.

Surgical interventions are rarely used for IC. Neurostimulation techniques are not FDA approved for IC.  (+ info)

I was just diagnosed with Interstitial cystitis, what should i expect from it?


I just got dianosed with IC and I am on a medicine that i take 2 pills twice a day and they also put me on another medication that makes me tired but i had to quit taking it because it makes me very tired...I would like to know what other medicines are out there for this condition. And i also would like to know if it gets worse or really effects every day life.
----------

I have it too. (Isn't it the pits?)

It took a long time for me to get a diagnosis - and in the meantime I was really suffering - going to the bathroom 20 times a day, and had so much pain afterward I just wanted to go to bed.

I've heard Elmiron is good but haven't tried it. My doctor recently put me on generic Pamelor (50 mg.) (it's a tri-cyclic antidepressant that also provides pain relief for IC) and I am currently pain free for the first time in years. :-)

I don't know if IC is progressive or not. Try to learn what foods if any, trigger your pain, and avoid them. I had to stop drinking soda. And hot spicy foods are often irritating to me

There's a good web site www.ichelp.org You may find some of the answers you need there.

Good luck. I hope you feel better. Hugs!  (+ info)

any personal advice on recurrent cystitis and interstitial cystitis?


apparently i have both. I am constantly on antibiotics and as soon as i come off then i get the pain and infection back. I have had two cystoscopys with my bladder stretched and a mineral solution put in my bladder - which i feel may have made me worse! I know all the medical advice about diet etc, but was wondering if anyone has any tips of their own? Im losing my mind!
----------

I would finish the most recent course of antibiotics and then stop taking anymore for now. Whilst they can be great, too many can affect the natural state of your immune system and balance of good vs bad bacteria in your body.
Antibiotics were bad for me longterm.
Cranberry juice, warm water with lemon barley in it, avoid all caffeine and carbonated drinks and avoid sex until it all clears up.

Good luck  (+ info)

will u die from interstitial cystitis? does it shorten your life expand?


i want to know if u will still live a normal life age with this disease? anyone please help my question. thank u.
----------

Don't worry, you'll be alright. Go check out the site...i bet it'll be helpful.  (+ info)

Does anyone know if interstitial cystitis has any affect on orgasam in women?


Interstitial cystitis can effect not only the bladder and pelvis, but also the perineum and surrounding tissues. Many people with IC complain about various levels of pain during intercourse which often makes orgasm difficult (but not impossible).

Other methods of stimulation (other than penetration) will usually allow climax with little or no pain.

It would be best to make an appointment with an OB/GYN specialist even if you primary physician has made a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. This is especially true if you are trying to get pregnant.  (+ info)

Can I have bladder TB AND INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS at the SAME time?


I am taking AKT-4 as I have tested positive for bladder TB, by my urologist. But I continue to have FLARE ups when I urinate every half an hour. My abdomen feels like it is on FIRE when I urinate.
It feels like my bladder is RAW and someone is pouring acid over it !
My urologist says he will see me after 6 weeks of AKT-4 medication, but I feel feel like I will be dead by the time!
I thought I was supposed to feel better with AKT-4 medicine, things are just getting worse.
----------

your condition can be treated nowadays..........but you need a very good diet along with the medications..........i am sure some vitamins have been prescribed too  (+ info)

does anyone take zoloft for interstitial cystitis?


i started zoloft sunday evening, woke up the next morning and my cramps were all gone. i had a cranberry and vodka around 6pm and woke up this morning with MAJOR cramping again. i guess what i'm saying is that the alcohol can decrease the effects of the zoloft, right? how long does the alcohol stay in my body? have i ruined what zoloft is doing for me or am i just really irritated now?
----------

You are having a IC flare. If you want to know more, I will be happy to edit and answer 4 you. Both are bad! for IC you should give up drinking completely (unless you want pain after-wards each time) and cranberry juice or anything acidic is not good for IC, IC is not a bladder infection, it is a chronic condition that does not go away, and only medications can control and manage it along with an IC friendly diet and no caffeine, sodas, coffee, etc, Google IC diet and you will find all the do's and don't's for foods and beverages to avoid! doesn't matter when the alcohol is out of your bady once in your flare, it will take some time to calm it down, or have your Uro do a lidocaine treatment, to soothe it. No, it didn't do anything to the zoloft, it is an anti-depressant, and works over time, as long as you keep taking your scheduled doses it will be fine. Cramping, burning, and total pelvic pain and (PFD) all go with having cystitis, your doctors should have explained all that to you.. Let me know if you have questions.
..The medication maybe: (ZOLOFT) Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over), panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), posttraumatic stress disorder (disturbing psychological symptoms that develop after a frightening experience), and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life), I can only say, it may block signals to the brain and disrupt signals from the bladder in a positive way, to help the brain not concentrate on what the bladder may be doing (pain or sensitivity?) maybe? I'll research some more on it?
*Maybe the soymilk? MSG and sea salt? That might do it, lol, from conversation, many things can trigger.  (+ info)

1  2  3  4  5  

Leave a message about 'cystitis, interstitial'


We do not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content in this site. Click here for the full disclaimer.