But each time, the drugs did little, if anything, to extinguish the flames.
(Just ask actressLili Reinhart.)
How the condition originates, progresses, and responds to treatment can also vary a good deal among people.
Antonio Hugo Photo
What we’re finding is, theres not justonetype of patient with interstitial cystitis, Dr. Moldwin says.
Technically, you better have the above symptoms for six weeks withnoevidence of infection for an IC/BPS diagnosis.
(You might actually get some relief from IC pain when you tinkle.)
Pee volume can be another key variable: Are you just letting out a spurt each time?
Researchers divide folks with IC/BPS into two main groups: the ones with visible Hunners lesions and those without.
But for the latter group, its less clear what might be setting off symptoms.
One theory still points to inflammation, just not a kind that shows up visibly in a cystoscopy.
Its a possible reason why these conditions often crop up together.
Even though theyre different structures, the pelvic floor and bladder work closely together, Dr. Moldwin says.
In order for urine to get out, your bladder squeezes, and your pelvic floor has to relax.
This was long the case forCallie Krajcir, RD, a nutritionist specializing in bladder health.
This can be the result of trying to push urine through locked-up muscles, Dr. Bahlani notes.
All of these mechanisms bringing on bladder pain arent mutually exclusive either.
Theres no cure for IC/BPSbut there are a variety of therapies that can bring serious relief.
Unlike a UTI, you cant knock out IC/BPS with an antibiotic.
Just note, this is not the same as doingpelvic floor-strengtheningexercises likeKegels, which could make matters worse.
The optimal choice in this department depends on whether or not you have those visible Hunners lesions.
Its like a temporary nerve block for the bladder, he explains.
That, and OTC pain meds like Cystex whenever the fiery feeling still hits, she tells SELF.
Theres no cookie cutter approach here whatsoever.
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