| Urology Awareness Education - a look at Interstitial Cystitis (IC), or Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS)
Interstitial cystitis (IC), or painful bladder syndrome (PBS), is a chronic condition causing bladder pain that worsens as the bladder fills and may ease after urination, often leading to increased urgency and frequency. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, with triggers including stress, certain foods, the menstrual cycle, or sexual activity.
Treatment focuses on symptom management for improving quality of life:
• Pelvic floor physiotherapy: Improves pelvic muscle function.
• Bladder training: Controls urinary urgency.
• Pain relievers: NSAIDs like Ibuprofen.
• Antihistamines: Reduce bladder inflammation.
• Glycosaminoglycan analogues: Protect bladder lining.
• Bladder instillations: Administered via catheter to reduce pain.
• Nerve stimulation therapies: May reduce symptoms. Surgical options for severe cases.
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