Interstitial Cystitis
Also known as painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes frequent, urgent and painful urination. Although there is no cure for IC, it is possible to find long-lasting relief with a combination of targeted therapies and lifestyle changes.
Understanding interstitial cystitis
The bladder is a hollow organ that is responsible for holding urine. It expands until full, and then sends a signal through your pelvic nerves to inform the brain that it’s time to urinate. With interstitial cystitis, these signals do not work properly. Patients need to urinate more often and tend to release an abnormally small amount of urine each time.
IC can have a long-lasting impact on your quality of life and often results in emotional stress and intimacy problems. In addition, it tends to develop alongside other chronic conditions, including fibromyalgia, IBS, endometriosis and more.
The symptoms
The symptoms of interstitial cystitis aren’t necessarily consistent. They may flare-up and subside in response to certain triggers, such as exercise, sexual activity and menstruation.
The most common signs of this condition include:
- Pelvic Pain
- Pain while the bladder fills
- A persistent urge to urinate
- Pain during sex
- Frequently urinating small amounts
Recovery from Fat Grafting
To begin, she will schedule an initial consultation to discuss your experience with IC. During that meeting, she will thoroughly investigate aspects of your life that could be contributing to your symptoms– including your environment, diet, stress levels, and sleep habits.
From there, she will collect detailed information about your symptoms and run a series of lab tests.
Armed with this information, Dr. Mathur will compose a comprehensive healing plan to deliver lasting relief and improve your quality of life. In many cases, this treatment approach will involve a blend of the following therapies:
Acupuncture
Because IC is associated with tissue inflammation and overly stimulated nerves, acupuncture can offer relief. It can trigger a controlled response from your different bodily systems – including the immune, nervous, and hormonal systems – to restore the balance you need.
Diet changes
During your appointments at our office, Dr. Mathur will counsel you on food selections that are appropriate for interstitial cystitis. In many cases, she will recommend avoiding items that can cause inflammation, such as sugar, coffee, spicy foods and alcohol. Depending on your triggers, you may also need to cut out other foods that are known to cause problems for IC patients, such as tomatoes, potatoes, red meat and spinach.
IV therapy
Nutritional supplementation via IV therapy can be transformative for patients with IC. As part of your “Back to Wellness Program,” Dr. Mathur will customize a blend of nutrients that can relax the bladder, restore balance, and ease your symptoms.
