Interstitial cystitis can be an extremely painful but common illness that is caused by a chronic inflammation of the bladder. The symptoms of interstitial cystitis include discomfort or pain in the bladder or pelvic area, tenderness, and an intense feeling that you have to urinate. In addition, the pain may get worse when your bladder gets full with urine or when it empties. For women, it hurts even more when women get their menstrual cycles. As you might guess, these symptoms can be alarming, but many people are concerned when they hear their doctor’s diagnosis. That is because the general public knows very little about this very common medical condition. While the name may sound scary, there are many treatment options available to those who have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis.

Many people are concerned when they are told by their doctor that there is no known cure for this condition. This, however, does not mean that they will have to suffer from this condition for the rest of their lives. In fact, once the correct treatment is identified and started, most people are able to lead long, normal, and productive lives.

Currently, there is only one oral medication specifically approved for the treatment of interstitial cystitis. This medication, Elmiron, coats the bladder in order to protect the bladder walls from being irritated by the naturally occurring toxins found in the urine. Other medications include opiod painkillers prescribed in order to manage severe pain, tricylic anti-depressants that help relieve pain and reduce the frequency of urination, and antihistamines that cause sedation, which helps reduce the frequency of urination.

There are several other therapies that have been used in order to treat interstitial cystitis, ranging from surgery to physical therapy. Two of the most common surgeries include cystoscopic manipulation and removal of the bladder. Medications are also an option. There are several medications that can be placed directly in the bladder. Other options include filling the bladder up with water and bladder training therapy. Biofeedback and physical therapy are other options used by some patients in order to medically treat their interstitial cystitis.

Another option that is effective in managing the symptoms of interstitial cystitis is diet. Studies have found that many foods can further irritate the bladder, resulting in increased symptoms. Some of the foods that can complicate the management of interstitial cystitis are artificial sweeteners, chocolate, processed meats, most fruit and nuts, aged cheeses, and citrus juices. Although cranberry juice is commonly recommended in order to alleviate the symptoms of urinary tract infections, cranberry juice can actually make the symptoms of interstitial cystitis even more pronounced and unbearable.

Doctors may also recommend that you begin an exercise program in order to help combat the insomnia associated with interstitial cystitis. Most people with this condition cannot do high impact exercises because of their pain. That is why doctors recommend low impact exercises in order to strengthen you both mentally and physically. Some of the best forms of exercise include walking, yoga, tai chi, and low impact aerobics. Again, you will have to pace yourself because of the pain associated with your illness, but the exercise will help ease your symptoms in the long run.

Discuss the treatment options with your doctor in order to make an informed decision about your course of action. Be sure to give your treatment a fair shot, but if you feel the treatment is not helping after several weeks, talk to your doctor about your progress. Just because one treatment does not work for you does not mean another treatment will not be successful.