Interstitial Cystitis | Painful Bladder Syndrome - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs on Interstitial Cystitis

1. Which specialist should I see if I have Interstital cystitis?

A Urologist is the specialist to consult for the condition.

2. Is traditional medicine good for interstitial cystitis?

Some patients find relief from symptoms after acupuncture. Other traditional medicines are also known to provide relief.

3. Can my children inherit the condition from me?

It is difficult to say yes or no. Some twins have suffered from the condition. Certain ethnic groups seem to be more prone to it; for example, Jews are more likely to get the condition than non-Jews.

4. If I become pregnant will it affect my IC?

Pregnancy is usually not affected, although intercourse could be painful and avoidable.

5. Can sexual intercourse cause increase in my symptoms?

Some women do experience an increase in their symptoms after sexual intercourse. This may be due to some trauma to the bladder base during such activity. IC itself may be associated with some amount of pain in the vulval region (called vulvodynia) or in the vagina.

6 Can IC be treated with antibiotics?

No, interstitial cystitis (IC) cannot be treated with antibiotics. But a long course of sequential antibiotics may sometimes be associated with decreased symptoms in some patients

7. How often should I be rechecked after being diagnosed with IC?

The frequency of follow-up appointments for interstitial cystitis (IC) varies greatly and is highly individualized. There's no set schedule, and it depends on your specific treatment plan and how well your symptoms are managed

8. Is blood in the urine typical of IC?

While not a typical or common symptom, blood in the urine (hematuria) can be present in up to 30% of people with interstitial cystitis (IC), according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

9. How does IC affect sexual function?

Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) can significantly impact sexual function, leading to various issues like pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), reduced sexual desire (libido), difficulty with arousal, and problems achieving orgasm

10. Is IC hereditary?

While not conclusive, some individuals may have a genetic predisposition or susceptibility to developing IC.