Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Treatment in Miami, FL
What Is Interstitial Cystitis?
When the bladder becomes filled with urine, the pelvic nerves will communicate to your brain that it is time to urinate. In those with Interstitial Cystitis (IC,) these signals may fire too frequently or at the wrong moment, causing the urge to urinate even when there is only a small amount of urine in the bladder.
The complications from this issue can greatly impact the patient’s quality of life. People with IC can experience reduced bladder capacity, sexual intimacy issues, loss of sleep, and even emotional troubles.
Urologist Richard Levin, MD is board certified by the American Board of Urology and has over 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating interstitial cystitis. If you’re experiencing symptoms of IC in the Hollywood, FL area, contact our office today to schedule an appointment in Aventura, just a short drive from North Miami, North Miami Beach, Hollywood, and Hallandale Beach.
What Are the Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis?
The symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis can vary for each patient, but listed below are the most common symptoms felt by people with IC:
- Pressure or pain in the bladder is the most frequently felt symptom. The pain tends to get worse as the bladder fills.
- Lower abdomen, lower back or pelvic pain can also be felt by some patients. The pain can range from intermittent to constant.
- Frequent urination is typically the first symptom noticed. Frequent urination is classified as going more than 7 times per day and/or waking up to go in the middle of the night.
- The urgency to urinate may never go away for some patients, even after urinating.
Interstitial Cystitis Causes & Risk-Factors
The exact causes of Interstitial Cystitis are unknown, but there are several risk-factors that could make a person more likely to have this issue.
- Gender is a major contributing factor. 90% of patients with Interstitial Cystitis are women. When men experience these symptoms, it’s typically linked to prostate gland inflammation.
- The age of patients who are diagnosed with IC tends to be 40 or older.
- A bladder defect in which the lining can allow an irritating substance to affect the bladder.
- Chronic pain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia have been found to be associated with Interstitial Cystitis.
How Is IC Diagnosed?
There is no test than can definitively determine whether Interstitial Cystitis is or is not present. A healthcare provider will determine whether the patient’s symptoms are consistent with IC and they will then run tests to ensure that other health issues are not causing these symptoms.
Next, a physical and neurological exam may be performed. The physical exam will consist of an examination of the abdomen and organs in the pelvic area. The mental exam will be performed to rule out any potential mental health or anxiety disorders that could be causing symptoms.
Interstitial Cystitis Treatment Options
Symptoms can take weeks or even months to improve and the issue may never be completely cured. Dr. Richard Levin’s treatment of Interstitial Cystitis will begin with minimally invasive measures and escalate progressively if symptoms are not improving:
- First phase – home & lifestyle treatment: The physician may recommend some simple lifestyle changes including a change of diet, bladder retraining (holding urine for longer to regain muscle control,) low-impact exercises and wearing looser clothing.
- Second phase – prescription medication: If lifestyle changes don’t control symptoms, prescription medication may be ordered. The medication can be taken orally, or it could be placed into the bladder directly through a catheter.
- Third phase – injections: Injections of a small amount of Botox can help to paralyze the muscles that are causing pain and alleviate symptoms.
- Fourth phase – cyclosporine: The medication is infrequently used because of its immune system lowering effects. The doctor and patient should thoroughly discuss the risks of this option.
- Fifth phase – surgery: Surgery is reserved for patients who have tried the first four phases of treatment and have not gotten symptom relief.
Schedule an IC Consultation with Urologist Richard Levin, MD
Urologist Richard Levin, MD has extensive experience diagnosing and treating interstitial cystitis. If you’re living with symptoms of IC in the Miami area, Dr. Levin can help you, too! Contact our urology clinic in Aventura, FL today. Give us a call at (305) 932-4444 or request an appointment online.