Interstitial Cystitis

IC/BPS

Community/support
http://www.ichelp.org/

http://www.ic-network.com/

Interstitial cystitis, according to some sources, is a condition which may afflict sexual assault survivors. IC is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease, and although the cause is unknown, physical trauma is one of the possibilities. It is thought to be a problem with the lining of the bladder, and may lead to increased sensitivity to pain in the nerves of the bladder and surrounding areas. You can search for a physician specializing in this condition by searching University Medical websites for "interstitial cystitis". The physician (often an OBGYN or urologist) may then refer you to a physical therapist.

• Symptoms might include: chronic pelvic pain (sometimes excruciating), needing to urinate often, discomfort while the bladder fills, pain during sexual intercourse. It may feel like a chronic UTI, but cultures may not show infection. Discomfort can vary during your menstruation cycle, times of stress, and during other triggers. Non invasive symptom management can include changes in diet, physical therapy (to strengthen pelvic muscles), and support groups. Other medical treatments are also available.

You might try to eliminate all processed foods (with additives, dyes and glycols found in lake dyes) from your diet. Some items that have caused sensitivity (on a case by case basis) are hair dye, soups, tea, and any liquids with dyes in them. Other food items are alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, high-acid foods, pickled foods, artificial sweeteners, and cigarette smoke (according to NIDDK and the sources listed below).

• Author's note: You can ask the specialist if they would recommend getting a patch test for sensitivity to various chemicals and synthetics (though this may increase your sensitivity). You might ask your physician about using D-Mannose supplement (about) to keep bacteria from staying in the bladder (especially following your cycle). It is a cranberry extract that keeps bacteria from clinging to the lining of the bladder.
• Many recommend not taking it with cranberry juice as it needs an alkaline environment to work properly (whereas usually you would want an acidic environment). You might need to choose one or the other for that time period. You also might need to take it with about 4 ounces of water, wait 45 minutes and then drink as much water as you are comfortable with. If you are sensitive you might try starting out with small doses and working up to the full recommended dose. Do not take it with anything other than water. Take it during the day initially so that it doesn't sit in your bladder overnight without enough hydration. Some unofficial advice is available at this link.

Online resources

Mayo Clinic information about interstitial cystitis

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/basics/definition/con-20022439

"Interstitial cystitis signs and symptoms include:

Pain in your pelvis or between the vagina and anus in women or between the scrotum and anus in men (perineum).
Chronic pelvic pain.
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 or discomfort while the bladder fills and relief after urinating.
Pain during sexual intercourse."

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/KUDiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/index.aspx

"People may experience mild discomfort, pressure, tenderness, or intense pain in the bladder and pelvic area. Symptoms may include an urgent need to urinate, a frequent need to urinate, or a combination of these symptoms. Pain may change in intensity as the bladder fills with urine or as it empties. Women’s symptoms often get worse during menstruation. They may sometimes experience pain during vaginal intercourse."

MedlinePlus

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/interstitialcystitis.html

Treatments include:

"Distending, or inflating, the bladder
Bathing the inside of the bladder with a drug solution
Oral medicines
Electrical nerve stimulation
Physical therapy
Lifestyle changes
Bladder training
In rare cases, surgery"

Uptodate.com

http://www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-of-interstitial-cystitis-bladder-pain-syndrome-beyond-the-basics?view=print

• "One or more events may lead to the symptoms of IC/BPS, including:
• Urinary tract infection
• An episode of vaginitis or prostatitis (eg, an infection of the vagina or a bacterial infection of the prostate)
• Bladder, pelvic, back, or other type of surgery
• Trauma (eg, fall onto the tailbone [coccyx] or car accident)"

Symptoms may worsen "during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (14 to 28 days after the first day of the last period)"

Journal articles

Interstitial Cystitis: An Unsolved Enigma from the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

Books

Along the Healing Path : Recovering from Interstitial Cystitis by Catherine M. Simone

The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide: Your Guide to the Latest Treatment Options and Coping Strategies by Robert M. Moldwin

Bibliographies

Interstitial Cystitis - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

http://www.amazon.com/Interstitial-Cystitis-Dictionary-Bibliography-References/dp/0597839441