Interstitial cystitis: what it is, causes and how to treat it

Interstitial cystitis: what it is, causes and how to treat it. Many are talking about it after Claudio Amendola’s statements on the chronic illness of his wife Francesca Neri. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic dysfunction of the pelvic walls that makes urination difficult and continuous. The pain is perceived as constant or in six-month cycles.

What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder that can affect people of any age and gender, but is more common in women. Unlike the better known cystitis, it is not caused by stress, but presents itself as a continuous pain and can cause psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. The evolution of the disease is slowly but progressively worsening, with deterioration of bladder functions and repercussions that can have a negative impact on the quality of life.

What are the causes of interstitial cystitis?

Unfortunately, the causes of interstitial cystitis are not always so clear: it can be the consequence of a urinary tract infection or surgery, a viral disease. However, among the most common hypotheses remains that of the progressive weakening of the lining of the bladder walls, made up of glycosaminoglycans, with functions of support and protection. The thinning of this protective layer causes the irritating substances contained in the urine to attack the bladder walls, triggering an inflammatory process.

Interstitial cystitis: what are the symptoms?

It usually manifests itself with the urge to urinate and pain when urinating. . Pain often interferes with sex life, which is hampered by this disorder. Men may experience pain in the testicles, scrotum, perineum, or pubis, and have painful ejaculations. It also appears that interstitial cystitis is associated with some chronic conditions and pain syndromes such as vulvar vestibulitis, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.

How is it treated?

To treat interstitial cystitis it may be necessary to combine a number of treatments. The therapies can be oral, with drugs that help repair the damaged bladder mucosa, as well as antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, antihistamines. Intravesical therapies, with instillation of glycosaminoglycans. Solutions based on hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate which can improve symptoms. In any case, an early diagnosis is essential to avoid irreversible damage and to identify a suitable therapy as soon as possible.