Interstitial cystitis is a condition that causes bladder pressure and pelvic pain. The signals between the brain and the pelvis get confused in interstitial cystitis. Rather than the expansion of the bladder triggering your brain that it’s time to urinate, someone with interstitial cystitis will feel the urge to urinate more often and with smaller volumes of urine.
Signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis include:
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Persistent need to urinate
- Urinary urgency
- Frequent urination
- Small amounts of urination
- Need to urinate throughout the day and night
- Pain or discomfort while the bladder fills
- Relief after urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Possible risk factors for interstitial cystitis include: the female sex, fair skin, red hair, age 30 and older, and having a chronic pain disorder (such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia).
Pelvic floor physiotherapists and naturopaths are both able to treat interstitial cystitis.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist and naturopath will both run a thorough examination of the problem to ensure a proper diagnosis is obtained. This will include getting a detailed history and running through a series of tests. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be made for you to help you achieve your goals and assist you on your road to recovery.
If you think you might have interstitial cystitis, contact us to book an appointment with one of our pelvic floor physiotherapists or our naturopath today.
