Painful Bladder Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis): Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
AI Summary
Painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis) is a chronic condition characterized by pain, pressure, and frequent urination as the bladder fills. More common in women. Learn about current treatment options.
What is Painful Bladder Syndrome?
Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) or interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain, pressure, and frequent urination. The exact cause is unknown but is thought to involve damage to the GAG layer protecting the inner bladder lining.
Symptoms
- Bladder pain when filling
- Relief after urination
- Frequent urination (8-10+ times daily)
- Urgency
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle modifications and diet changes
- Oral medications (pentosan polysulfate, amitriptyline)
- Intravesical therapies (DMSO, hyaluronic acid)
- Hydrodistension under anesthesia
- Pudendal nerve block
- Sacral neuromodulation
- Robotic augmentation cystoplasty (refractory cases)