If you've been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, you're probably already familiar with the pain and discomfort this condition can bring. Once thought to be a relatively uncommon condition, it's now thought that interstitial cystitis may affect up to twelve percent of women. This chronic condition which is characterized by bladder inflammation without evidence of infection can occur in men, but is considerably more common in women.

Symptoms of interstitial cystitis can mimic those of a urinary tract infection but the urine is clear upon testing with an absence of white blood cells or evidence of bacteria. In some cases, the condition can be misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection and antibiotics may be given. The diagnosis may be made after antibiotics fail to relieve interstitial cystitis pain and urinary symptoms.

Along with the characteristic pain symptoms of interstitial cystitis, you may experience frequent urination and urgency along with a vague sense of irritation in the urethral area. Many women find interstitial cystitis pain and the associated irritation to be severe enough to interfere with their normal activities. When they seek out solutions for their discomfort, they're often met with disappointment, frustration, and a lack of answers.

Unfortunately, this condition can be difficult to treat since the cause of interstitial cystitis is not fully known. It appears to arise from chronic inflammation and damage to the lining of the bladder, allowing urinary chemicals that induce pain and inflammation to leak into the pain sensitive tissue of the bladder and urinary tract.

Although there is no cure for interstitial cystitis pain, there are certain steps you can take to relieve the symptoms of this uncomfortable condition. Some people find that avoiding certain foods and liquids that cause bladder irritation can provide relief. Some common offenders include alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks, and citrus juices. Dairy products and spicy foods can also aggravate inflamed bladder tissue, resulting in increased interstitial cystitis pain and urinary tract symptoms.

If dietary changes fail to relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis, other treatment options include use of antidepressant medications and anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain and irritation. Another medication developed specifically for treatment of interstitial cystitis is known as Elmiron. Although the exact way this drug works isn't known, it's thought that it may coat the bladder and relieve the bladder irritation. Although it won't cure the condition, it can help with interstitial cystitis pain. Other treatments for interstitial cystitis that have been effective in some patients include bladder training techniques and, in extreme cases, surgery.

If you suffer from the pain and discomfort of interstitial cystitis, you may want to try using natural approaches such as dietary changes and bladder retraining techniques as first line therapy. If these fail to bring relief, ask your doctor if you're a candidate for a trial of Elmiron or antidepressant therapy. Living with the discomfort of interstitial cystitis can be a challenge, but, fortunately, there are effective treatments for this relatively common condition.