Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis in Women
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the bladder and pelvic area. It primarily affects women, and its symptoms can vary from person to person. Here are some common symptoms of IC in women:
- Urinary urgency: Urgency is feeling that you need to urinate right away. Women with IC may feel an urgent need to urinate even if the bladder isn’t full, or they recently urinated and the bladder hasn’t had time to fill. In severe cases, they may need to urinate up to 60 times per day.
- Chronic or intermittent pain in the pelvis: Women with IC may experience ongoing or occasional pain in the pelvic region. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be constant or come and go.
- Pelvic pressure, discomfort, or pain: Some women with IC may feel a sense of pressure, discomfort, or pain in their pelvic area. Pain is usually intermittent, sometimes going away for weeks then returning. Pain may build up while the bladder is filling and alleviated with urination.
- Pain during sexual intercourse: IC can cause pain during sexual intercourse, known as dyspareunia. The pain may be caused by a spasm of the pelvic floor muscles. This can be distressing for individuals and may affect their sexual well-being.
Other symptoms: Some women with IC may also experience additional symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, urethra, and vaginal area.
Some people with intermittent cystitis experience pain that may go away for weeks and then return (a flare-up). Along with pain, women may experience the other symptoms of IC during a flare-up, including:
- Urinary urgency
- Frequent urination day and night
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Some people with IC have flare-ups associated with a trigger or event, such as:
- Stress
- Menstruation
- Skipping meals
- Dehydration (not drinking enough liquids)
- Tight pants or undergarments
- Having to stand for long periods of time
- Pushing or lifting heavy objects
- After a PAP smear
- Certain foods
Triggers differ from person to person. If you know of factors that seem to bring on a flare, take steps to avoid them if possible or discuss them with your healthcare professional for recommendations to minimize being exposed to the factor.
Remember, everyone's experience with interstitial cystitis may be different, so it's essential to work closely with your healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve after treatment or if you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor about other possible treatment options available to you.