Interstitial cystitis/Painful bladder syndrome ( IC/PBS ) is a chronic inflammatory process involving the bladder lining. The most common symptoms include, urinary frequency, urgency, painful urination, increased night time voiding and bladder/pelvic pain, and as a result, these symptoms are often mistaken for a urinary tract or bladder infection. The primary difference though is the absence of bacteria, and thus, antibiotics typically do not resolve the symptoms.
People who suffer with IC/PBS can often associate certain foods or drinks that irritate their bladder and make their symptoms worse. As a result, The most common initial treatment for IC/PBS is dietary modification and at times, rescue medications. The other treatments are individually based since no two patients are the same in treatment or symptoms.
Researchers are working to understand the causes of IC and to find treatments that work. Even though the exact cause of IC is unknown, you may find that certain events or factors start, or trigger, your symptom flares. Symptom flares can make your IC feel worse.
People with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) have repeat discomfort, pressure, tenderness or pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, and pelvic area. Symptoms vary from person to person, may be mild or severe, and can even change in each person as time goes on.
Urodynamic testing (UDS) is a bladder study that gives the Urologist a better understanding of your bladder function, capacity, storage capabilities, leakage (stress or urge) and contractility (bladder emptying). The urologist uses this study to assess your bladder and to determine if your bladder issues would improve with medications or if it would require a surgical procedure.
The study itself includes placing a Very Small catheter in your bladder and in your rectum. These catheters have special sensors that measure the pressures inside of your bladder. The study takes approximately 1 hour. You are not required to do any special prep for the study. You will be able to drive yourself home after the study is completed.