Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Interstitial Cystitis

Significant Relief After Urinating

Individuals with interstitial cystitis often experience significant relief after urinating. The urge to urinate subsides, at least until the next small amount of urine enters the bladder. Bladder and pelvic pain also tend to subside. This relief can be attributed to the body no longer sending signals it needs to urinate or that it's being irritated. Internal irritation of the bladder is what can lead to many of these symptoms. Urinating eliminates the internal irritation, so the symptoms subside for a while. This symptom can also be common in other conditions, like urinary tract infections. Some individuals experience this symptom as they age.

Symptoms Flare In Response To Triggers

Individuals who take extra steps to manage interstitial cystitis may still experience their symptoms flare in response to triggers. Interstitial cystitis triggers are not the same for each individual affected by the condition. It is best for the patient to identify what triggers the onset or worsening of their symptoms. Some individuals experience flares in response to wearing certain clothing garments such as tights, slimming garments, pantyhose, tight jeans, and girdles. Patients often experience a flare of symptoms as a result of engaging in sexual activity. When traveling, the vibration and movement of buses, planes, cars, and trains may jar the pelvic region and trigger interstitial cystitis symptoms. Consuming items such as soda, tomatoes, chocolate, citrus juices, high-acid foods, coffee, alcohol, hot and spicy foods, caffeinated drinks, and foods that contain MSG can cause an affected individual to experience symptoms. The consumption of certain supplements, vitamins, and medications can trigger interstitial cystitis symptoms. When an affected female approaches her menstrual cycle, the fluctuations in hormones can worsen interstitial cystitis symptoms.