Painful Bladder Syndrome
What Is Painful
Bladder Syndrome?
Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) or interstitial cystitis (IC) includes all cases of urinary pain that cannot be attributed to other causes, such as infection or urinary stones. In cases of IC/PBS, the bladder wall may be irritated and become scarred or stiff. Pinpoint bleeding caused by repeated irritation (glomerulations) often appears on the bladder wall.
When to See a Doctor
How Advanced Gynecology Can Help
You may even be referred to a physical therapist to help relieve the pain associated with pelvic muscle pain, restrictive connective tissue or muscle abnormalities in your pelvic floor. If you are suffering from chronic bladder pain or frequency and pain when urinating Advanced Gynecology is here for you.
Our board-certified team of women's health experts is ready to help you with diagnostic care and to discuss a range of treatment options. We will counsel you about the best options for you and your health. We know that chronic, painful issues can deeply affect your life and the life of your loved ones around you. We are here to work with you to create the most comprehensive plan to make sure that you are on track to get back to your life as soon as possible.
Painful Bladder Syndrome Symptoms
Women's symptoms often get worse during menstruation. Women may also experience pain with vaginal intercourse.
Other signs and symptoms of painful bladder syndrome:
- Pain in the pelvis or between the vagina and anus in women
- Chronic pelvic pain
- A persistent, urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination, often in small amounts, up to 60 times over the course of a 24 hour period
- Pain or discomfort while the bladder fills and after urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Painful bladder syndrome becomes a consideration if bladder pain and lower urinary tract symptoms that have lasted for more than six weeks without any clear causes such as UTI or other infection. Some people who are diagnosed with IC/PBS experience pain-causing syndromes in other areas of the body such as irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Causes of Painful Bladder Syndrome
- An autoimmune reaction
- Heredity: sex, skin and hair color may put one at risk. Women with fair skin and red hair have been associated with greater risk of IC/PBS
- Age: most people with IC/PBS are diagnosed during their 30s or older
- Infection
- Allergy
- Having previously been diagnosed with another pain disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia.
