Interstitial Cystitis Treatment in Birmingham
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic condition characterised by bladder pain or discomfort and urinary urgency and frequency, in the absence of infection or other identifiable cause. It can be a significantly debilitating condition. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, offers specialist assessment and management of interstitial cystitis at private hospitals across Birmingham.
Symptoms
- Persistent pelvic pain or pressure, often related to bladder filling
- Urinary urgency (a sudden, compelling need to urinate)
- Urinary frequency (passing urine very often, including at night)
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Symptoms that worsen with certain foods, drinks, stress or menstruation
Diagnosis
IC is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes of bladder pain must be ruled out first. This involves urine tests to exclude infection, flexible cystoscopy with or without biopsy to assess the bladder lining, and occasionally urodynamic studies. In some patients, hydrodistension under general anaesthetic may reveal characteristic Hunner’s lesions or petechial haemorrhages on the bladder wall.
Treatment Options
There is no single curative treatment for IC. A stepwise approach is used, starting with the least invasive options:
- Dietary modifications (avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, citrus and spicy food)
- Bladder retraining and pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Oral medications (amitriptyline, antihistamines, pentosan polysulphate)
- Intravesical bladder instillation with agents such as heparin, lidocaine or hyaluronic acid
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection into the bladder wall
- Hydrodistension under general anaesthetic
- Sacral neuromodulation in carefully selected patients
Book an Interstitial Cystitis Consultation
Mr Shahzad provides thorough, empathetic assessment for patients with IC. No GP referral is required. Recognised by BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. Book an appointment or contact us.