How many stages of interstitial cystitis are there?
Excessive frequency of urination, urinary urgency, and urethra, bladder or pelvic pain are common symptoms. Treatment is divided into five phases, ranging from lifestyle changes to injections to surgery.
Is Interstitial Cystitis a progressive disease?
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic (life-long) and generally progressive disease for which we have no specific cure. In most people, symptoms occur intermittently, with periods of worsening pain and urgency followed by weeks or even months of no symptoms at all.
Does Interstitial Cystitis get worse over time?
It does not spread in the body and does not seem to worsen with time. It is not a cause of bladder cancer. Though more research is needed, IC does not seem to affect fertility or the health of a fetus. For some women, the symptoms of IC improve or disappear during pregnancy; for other women, they get worse.
Why is my interstitial cystitis getting worse?
Many patients with IC/BPS can point to certain things that make their symptoms worse. For some, their symptoms are made worse by certain foods or drinks. Many patients find that symptoms are worse if they are under stress (either physical or mental). For women, the symptoms may vary with their period.
How serious is interstitial cystitis?
IC is a chronic disease. Patients may find some comfort in the fact that it is not life-threatening and it does not lead to cancer. However, because the symptoms are always present, patients need to develop coping skills to deal with them.
What is the prognosis for interstitial cystitis?
For about half the cases, interstitial cystitis goes away by itself. Among those who need treatment, most find relief and get their lives back to normal. Treatment is mainly about symptom control.
Can cystitis damage your kidneys?
Most people with cystitis will not get a kidney infection, but occasionally the bacteria can travel up from the bladder into one or both kidneys. If treated with antibiotics straight away a kidney infection does not cause serious harm, although you’ll feel very unwell.
Can IC affect your kidneys?
Complications of interstitial cystitis include: Decreased bladder capacity. Kidney damage secondary to long-term high bladder pressure. Permanent or chronic pain.
Can IC cause weight gain?
They may also improve sleep. Amitriptyline (Elavil) is the medication most commonly prescribed for interstitial cystitis. Side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, and weight gain.
Can IC affect your bowels?
About one-third of interstitial cystitis (IC) patients have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits. The cause of IBS is not completely understood.