What is Interstitial Cystitis, AKA Bladder Pain Syndrome?

When it comes to urological health in Saint Louis, MO, there are a number of conditions which require the expertise of a urological health specialist. One such condition is interstitial cystitis, which is likewise known as bladder pain syndrome. Those who reside in the Saint Louis area, including Creve Coeur, Florissant, Kirkwood, Crestwood, Chesterfield, and Washington, MO, can count on the specialists at Metropolitan Urological Specialists to be there for them as they cope with this serious condition. However, just prior to scheduling an appointment, why not read through the following information so you can have a basis of info about interstitial cystitis.

Female Urinary Tract

Interstitial cystitis (IC)/ bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a continual bladder health problem. It is a sense of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this discomfort are lower urinary tract signs and symptoms that have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes.

Symptoms range from mild to severe. For some patients the symptoms might come and go, and for other folks they do not go away. IC/BPS is not an infection, but it might seem like a bladder infection. Women with IC/BPS might experience pain when having sex. The more severe instances of IC/BPS can affect your life and your loved ones. Some people with IC/BPS have other health and wellness issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other pain syndromes.

Male Urinary Tract

The bladder and kidneys are part of the urinary system, the organs in our bodies which make, store, and pass urine. You have 2 kidneys that make urine. Then urine is stored in the bladder. The muscles within the lower portion of your abdomen secure your bladder in place.

How the Urinary System Works

When it is not full of urine, the bladder is relaxed. Whenever nerve signals within your brain let you know that your bladder is getting full, you feel the need to pass urine. If your bladder is functioning normally, you may put off urination for some time. Once you are prepared to successfully pass urine, the brain sends a signal to the bladder. Then the bladder muscles squeeze (or "contract"). This forces the urine out through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your body. The urethra has muscles called sphincters. They help keep the urethra sealed so urine doesn't leak before you're set to go to the restroom. These sphincters loosen up when the bladder contracts.

Now is your chance to make the call to contact the urological health experts at Metropolitan Urological Specialists. They can walk you through what treatments are most ideal for handling your interstitial cystitis in Saint Louis, Missouri.