If not cystitis what is it

Symptoms severity is different for everyone, and some people may experience symptom-free periods. Although signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis may resemble those of a chronic urinary tract infection, there's usually no infection. However, symptoms may worsen if a person with interstitial cystitis gets a urinary tract infection. If you're experiencing chronic bladder pain or urinary urgency and frequency, contact your health care provider. The exact cause of interstitial cystitis isn't known, but it's likely that many factors contribute.

For instance, people with interstitial cystitis may also have a defect in the protective lining epithelium of the bladder. A leak in the epithelium may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall. Other possible but unproven contributing factors include an autoimmune reaction, heredity, infection or allergy. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

This can make you more prone to cystitis. Using a diaphragm or spermicide-coated condoms may make you more likely to get cystitis. Diaphragms can stop your bladder from emptying properly, which may mean more bacteria grow. Stones calculi in your urinary system, such as kidney stones or bladder stones. These can get stuck, so your pee builds up in your bladder. An enlarged prostate. This can block your bladder, which means you pee less often.

Conditions that affect the structure of your urinary tract. Complications of cystitis Cystitis is often mild and clears up on its own. Prevention of cystitis There are lots of things you can do to help prevent cystitis. Drink plenty of fluids every day, including water and diluted squash, but limit caffeinated drinks, such as tea and coffee.

After you pee, wipe from front to back. Keep your perineum skin between your anus and vulva clean and dry, especially after doing a poo. If you get cystitis after having sex, there are lots of things you can do to limit this. Pee before having sex. Pee after sex within 15 minutes to help flush away any bacteria.

Wash your genital area and hands with water before you have sex. Use a lubricant gel during sex. Try not to use spermicide-coated condoms, as these may increase your chances of getting cystitis. Use a different form of contraception instead, and make sure you protect yourself from STIs — ask your GP for advice. Prevention of regular cystitis infections If you get cystitis a lot, your GP may prescribe a low-dose antibiotic for you to keep at home. Frequently asked questions about cystitis Expand all.

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Related information. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and are only available via prescription. Read more. Kidney infection pyelonephritis. An infection in your kidney is called pyelonephritis. Expand all. Bladder Health UK www. Urinary tract infection in adults. BMJ Best Practice. Oxford Handbook of General Practice online.

Oxford Medicine Online. The MSD Manuals. Bladder Health UK. Surgery and other procedures may be recommended if you have clear abnormal areas lesions in your bladder or other treatments do not work. In very rare cases, it may be necessary to remove the bladder completely cystectomy. If this is done, your surgeon will need to create an alternative way for pee to leave your body. This will usually be through a small hole in your tummy called a stoma, but might involve making a new bladder using part of your small intestine bladder reconstruction.

Page last reviewed: 08 August Next review due: 08 August Interstitial cystitis. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis The main symptoms of interstitial cystitis are: intense pelvic pain felt below your bellybutton sudden strong urges to pee needing to pee more often than normal waking up several times during the night to go to the toilet The pain may be worse when your bladder is full and may be temporarily relieved when you go to the toilet. When to see a GP You should see a GP if you have persistent pelvic pain or you notice a change in your usual peeing pattern.

What causes interstitial cystitis? There are several theories about the possible cause of the condition. These include: damage to the bladder lining, which may mean pee can irritate the bladder and surrounding muscles and nerves a problem with the pelvic floor muscles used to control peeing your immune system mistakenly attacking your bladder an allergic reaction It's also been suggested that interstitial cystitis may be a symptom of a more widespread problem, as it's been associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia , chronic fatigue syndrome CFS , irritable bowel syndrome IBS and lupus.

Blood in the urine. Urine can appear to have a reddish or dark orange tiny, which signifies blood in the urine from the infection. Symptoms of IC can be similar to the symptoms of a UTI: Pain in the bladder and in the pelvic region surrounding the bladder. Painful urination without the presence of bacteria or infection. Urgent and frequent need to urinate, even if the bladder is not full. Learn about other treatments for chronic UTIs here. Dietary changes such as avoiding bladder irritants or foods that may cause the bladder to flare or trigger symptoms, as well as adequate hydration.

Bladder instillations Medications to relieve symptoms of IC Bladder distention Learn more about treatment options for interstitial cystitis here.