What kind of doctor do you see for interstitial cystitis?

A urologist is a doctor specializing in bladder diseases. Some gynecologists and urogynecologists (women's health doctors) also treat people with IC/BPS. Look for a doctor who has experience taking care of people with IC/BPS.

How does a urologist diagnose interstitial cystitis?

Doctors may use cystoscopy to look inside the urethra and bladder. Doctors use a cystoscope, a tubelike instrument, to look for bladder ulcers, cancer, swelling, redness, and signs of infection. A doctor may perform a cystoscopy to diagnose interstitial cystitis (IC).

Can a urologist help with interstitial cystitis?

There is not one universal treatment for IC. However, there are various treatments our urology team may suggest for you to improve your IC symptoms. These may include: Physical therapy.

What is the latest treatment for interstitial cystitis?

Dimethylsulfoxide — Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a liquid medication that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). DMSO is put into the bladder through a temporary catheter and is held in place for approximately 20 minutes, if possible.

Can a gynecologist treat interstitial cystitis?

There is no known cure for interstitial cystitis, although your OBGYN can treat it to control your pain and other symptoms.

Dr Krantz Discusses Interstitial Cystitis - Painful Bladder Syndrome

What is the fastest way to get rid of interstitial cystitis?

What triggers interstitial cystitis?

If you have interstitial cystitis, your symptoms may also vary over time, periodically flaring in response to common triggers, such as menstruation, sitting for a long time, stress, exercise and sexual activity.

What does an interstitial cystitis flare up feel like?

People with interstitial cystitis (IC) have repeat discomfort, pressure, tenderness or pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, and pelvic area. Symptoms vary from person to person, may be mild or severe, and can even change in each person as time goes on.

What happens if interstitial cystitis goes untreated?

If left untreated, cystitis can progress into a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). The bacteria causing the infection can travel from the bladder up into one or both kidneys, causing a kidney infection.

How do you calm an IC flare?

What can be misdiagnosed as interstitial cystitis?

IC/BPS is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection, which it is not. Some IC/BPS patients do have low levels of bacteria in their urine that don't normally qualify as a urinary tract infection and others may have atypical bacteria, such as ureaplasm.

Does interstitial cystitis show up in a urine test?

Findings on urinalysis may be entirely normal or may show microscopic hematuria or pyuria. Urine culture results are usually sterile. However, patients with interstitial cystitis may also have a concurrent bladder infection.

How serious is interstitial cystitis?

What is the outlook for interstitial cystitis? IC is a chronic disease. Patients may find some comfort in the fact that it is not life-threatening and it does not lead to cancer. However, because the symptoms are always present, patients need to develop coping skills to deal with them.

Is interstitial cystitis mental?

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) has several well-known comorbid psychiatric manifestations, including insomnia, anxiety, and depression. We hypothesized that somatoform disorder, which is a psychosomatic disease, can be used as a sensitive psychiatric phenotype of IC/BPS.

Does azo help interstitial cystitis?

Urinary Anesthetics: Pyridium, AZO, Uribel

They are often suggested for temporary pain relief after surgery, cystoscopy, or catheterization. They are not prescribed for long-term use to control IC symptoms because it can build up in the body and cause harmful side effects.

How long do interstitial cystitis flares last?

In the early phase of IC the symptom flares are intermittent in most patients. Over time symptoms increase and pain cycles may appear and last for 3-14 days.

What is the best home remedy for interstitial cystitis?

What is the best antihistamine for interstitial cystitis?

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is an antihistamine that is used for treating allergic and inflammatory skin conditions – it can be used in the treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome as it blocks the chemicals that can cause inflammation.

What is the best soap for interstitial cystitis?

Because the skin can be so sensitive to chemicals, we suggest using the mildest detergents available, such as Planet, Seventh Generation or Dreft.

Can stress and anxiety cause interstitial cystitis?

Stress does not cause IC, but if you have IC, stress can cause a flare. Physical stress and mental stress can lead to flares. Remember, every flare will settle down and worrying about it only prolongs the discomfort. Understanding stress and how to minimize it is the best way to limit the intensity of your flares.

Can you reverse interstitial cystitis?

There's no cure for interstitial cystitis, but many treatments offer some relief, either on their own or in combination. Treatment (see chart) is aimed at relieving pain and reducing inflammation.

Can interstitial cystitis be seen on ultrasound?

There is no definitive test to make the diagnosis of IC. It is a diagnosis of exclusion. Evaluation usually involves a detailed history, review of old medical records/ urine culture results, physical exam, urine tests, and voiding diary. Abdominal/pelvic imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT may be used.

What is the most common treatment for interstitial cystitis?

What foods soothe interstitial cystitis?

Foods to eat

Fruits: bananas, apricots, blueberries, dates, melons, prunes, pears, raisins. Vegetables: avocados, asparagus, broccoli, beets, eggplant, peas, mushrooms, spinach. Grains: oats, rice. Proteins: beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, eggs.

What foods aggravate interstitial cystitis?

However, some people with IC find that certain foods or drinks trigger or worsen their symptoms. Coffee, soda, alcohol, tomatoes, hot and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices and drinks, MSG, and high-acid foods can trigger IC symptoms or make them worse.