Interstitial Cystitis Medication
Living with interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), can feel overwhelming. This chronic condition often causes bladder pain, urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and even pelvic pain that disrupts daily life.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating interstitial cystitis bladder pain using advanced, patient-centered care. With multiple locations throughout Georgia, our team works closely with you to identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend effective treatments. If you’re struggling with IC, contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your options.
Understanding Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition affecting the bladder wall and surrounding tissues, leading to persistent discomfort or pain in the bladder area.
The exact cause of IC remains unclear, but potential factors include bladder tissue damage, mast cells releasing inflammatory chemicals, nerve hypersensitivity, or autoimmune responses. Some patients find their symptoms worsen after consuming acidic foods or certain drinks, or during times of high stress.
Importantly, IC is not the same as a urinary tract infection, though the urinary symptoms can feel similar. In men, the symptoms of interstitial cystitis bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) can sometimes be mistaken for chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).
Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
Common interstitial cystitis symptoms include the following:
- Chronic pain or pressure in the bladder or pelvic muscles
- Urinary urgency and urinary frequency (sometimes needing to urinate up to 60 times a day)
- Bladder spasms and tenderness in the pelvic floor muscles
- Pain that worsens as the bladder stores urine and improves after urination
How Interstitial Cystitis is Treated
Treatment for IC is highly personalized. The goal is to reduce pain, improve symptoms, and control symptoms over time. At Urology of Greater Atlanta, we use a multi-step approach to treat Interstitial Cystitis, starting with the least invasive options.
Initial strategies may include bladder training to reduce urinary frequency, identifying and avoiding certain foods that aggravate symptoms, and stress-reduction techniques to reduce stress and calm the nervous system. Physical therapy can address pelvic floor tenderness and improve blood flow to the area.
If these methods are not enough, additional treatments may involve:
- Bladder instillation (medications delivered directly into the bladder)
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to relieve nerve-related pain
- Other treatments, such as botulinum toxin injections for bladder muscles or surgical procedures like bladder augmentation in severe cases
Oral Medications Used to Treat Interstitial Cystitis
When lifestyle changes and physical therapy aren’t enough, oral medications can help relieve pain and improve IC symptoms. These include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen sodium to reduce inflammation and ease severe pain
- Tricyclic antidepressants (like amitriptyline) to relax the bladder muscles and block pain signals
- Antihistamines to address possible allergic reaction–related inflammation from mast cells
- Pentosan polysulfate sodium, a medication that may help repair the bladder wall and protect it from irritating substances in urine
- Medications to reduce bladder spasms and improve symptom relief
For some patients, a combination of oral medications and other medications, such as those delivered through bladder instillation, offers the best chance to treat IC and improve symptoms.
Before starting any medication, your urologist will review your medical history, rule out conditions like bladder cancer or chronic prostatitis, and may order a urine test to ensure no active infection is present.
Finding Relief from Interstitial Cystitis
Living with IC means managing a condition that can cause pain in ways few other conditions do. The good news is that with the right combination of treatment options, from oral medications to pelvic floor therapy, many patients experience significant symptom relief.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified urologists offer comprehensive, personalized IC care, helping patients with everything from IC pain to urinary urgency and chronic pelvic pain. Whether you need medication, physical therapy, or advanced interventions, we work to help you reduce pain, control symptoms, and live more comfortably.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’re struggling with IC/BPS and searching for effective interstitial cystitis medication or other treatment solutions, we can help. Our team combines medical expertise with compassionate care to address your urinary symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Contact Urology of Greater Atlanta today to schedule your appointment and start your journey toward lasting relief.
