Do you get a ton of UTIs? Interstitial Cystitis or Bladder Pain Syndrome

Schedule Here

Do you get so many UTIs? Like so many that your doctor is giving you funny looks? Well, it could be interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome. It's thought to be a problem with overactive nerves in the bladder that causes frequent UTI symptoms, but not frequent UTIs.

I get really upset with how long it takes for women to get diagnosed with this problem. It usually takes a number of referrals. If you’re having persistent UTIs without any bacteria there, it can possibly be this problem. Antihistamines (like Zyrtec?) used to be the mainstay of treatment, but now amitriptyline (an antidepressant with antihistamine action) is the first line recommendation. You’re not crazy or making things up, but your body may be over interpreting your nerves’ responses.

I wanted to share this description from UpToDate: “In extreme cases, patients may describe sitting on a toilet for hours in order to let urine dribble from their bladders more or less continuously so that bladders remain as empty as possible and pain is minimized.”

A fire performer captivates the crowd with a dazzling flame display against the evening sky.

#women #mentalhealth #uti #interstitialcystitis #bladderpain