Bladder Pain Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis)
Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), also called interstitial cystitis (IC), is pain that lasts longer than 6 months in the bladder, urethra or perineal area where there isn’t a current urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have BPS, you probably often have a frequent, strong and painful urge to wee. This might happen regularly, or it may only occur during flare-ups.
Around 5 – 10% of people with bladder pain will be diagnosed with Hunner's Lesion Disease, which can also cause bladder pain and symptoms. Some people with bladder pain have recurrent UTIs, causing bladder discomfort and pain.
Bladder pain is common and can occur at any age but is usually diagnosed when people are in their 40s. It also affects more women than men. Sometimes, BPS affects us when we have other health conditions such as fibromyalgia, IBS, migraines, endometriosis, depression and anxiety.
BPS might not be life-threatening, but it can be pretty distressing and impact many vital aspects of your life, such as sleep, work, social life, exercise and relationships.
Our postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physios can help.
If you suffer from bladder pain, don’t worry – help is available. Our postgraduate pelvic health physiotherapists are highly experienced in treating people with conditions like yours. And the good news is that most people experiencing bladder pain can be helped.
People with BPS often have a strong and painful urge to wee – either regularly or sometimes only during flare-ups. Fortunately, our postgraduate-qualified pelvic health physiotherapists can help treat this condition.
Common signs & symptoms of bladder pain syndrome
Everyone is different, but if you suffer from bladder pain, you’re probably familiar with some of the following:
- Lower abdominal, pelvic or urethral/bladder pain
- Pain or pressure as your bladder fills
- Frequently going to the toilet due to pain
- A constant feeling of needing to urinate, even after you’ve just been
- Feeling you can’t hold much in your bladder
- Vaginal or vulval pain
- Pain in the scrotum, testes or penis
- Pain during or after sex
- Irritable bowel or constipation
- Feeling you have to be close to a toilet all the time
- Increased pain and frequency at times of stress
Risk factors & causes of bladder pain syndrome
We don’t know the exact cause of BPS, but it could be due to a variety of factors, such as:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Damage to the lining of the bladder
- Other pain conditions, such as endometriosis or IBS
- A sensitised nervous system
- Poor pelvic floor muscle function
Our Proven Pathway to Treating Bladder Pain Syndrome
Discover what matters
You’re assessed as a whole person
We begin by learning all about you – not just your symptoms, but the whole you. To do this, your postgraduate qualified pelvic health physiotherapist will gather the following information:
- QUESTIONNAIRE: You’ll complete a pelvic health questionnaire online before your first visit. This helps us understand about your history, current health concerns and what matters to you.
- 1-on-1 CONSULTATION: Here, we’ll take the time to learn about you and your bladder pain. We believe a holistic approach enables us to understand how your specific physical, emotional and lifestyle factors influence your pelvic health.
- THOROUGH ASSESSMENT: This includes a pelvic floor examination, a bladder scan, a bladder diary and urine testing to understand your thoughts, feelings and environment.
- CONNECTING THE DOTS: Now that we’ve discovered so much about you and your bladder pain, we can explore how it all fits together. Perhaps your nervous system is impacting your bladder, so work and family stresses have an influence. Or maybe the pain you feel when your bladder fills is affected by pelvic floor tension and what’s going on around you.
- SET GOALS: We’ll help you set meaningful pelvic health goals such as:
- Live my life without bladder worries
- Be with loved ones without being in pain
- Not worry about finding toilets all the time
Restore what matters
You’ll have a personalised pelvic health plan.
This is where we roll our sleeves up and get down to business. Together, we’ll choose the best research-proven treatment options for your lifestyle. You’ll learn how your bladder works, how your entire nervous system and body work together, what’s not working and how to reduce your bladder pain.
Next, we’ll use your bladder diary to understand more about your bladder and fluid habits. Then we’ll provide you with fluid intake advice and begin bladder retraining learning strategies to calm your bladder, nerves, and the connection between your thoughts and emotions. This might include mindfulness or TENS.
We’ll also start your Pelvic Floor Muscle Training. You’ll learn new skills and connect with hidden muscles that you didn’t know you had. You’ll have an individualised program based on your needs, learning how to relax your muscles. Plus, we’ll give you excellent resources and tools to help you progress.
ABOUT YOUR APPOINTMENTS: Together, we’ll work out how often we should see each other. We’ll agree on what works best for you, your commitments and your finances.
Enjoy what matters
You’ll be living your best life.
The final step in your journey is all about celebrating the progress you’ve made and reaching those meaningful goals you set at the start. You may even discover new opportunities opening up – perhaps it’s taking a new work position or planning that road trip you've been dreaming about. With the new tools and confidence you’ve gained, you’ll be ready to manage flare-ups with a clear plan in place – no need for ongoing appointments. You're equipped, empowered and ready to embrace what’s next.
Of course, life doesn’t always go to plan – and sometimes, you might need a little reset. Whether it’s a UTI, a tough cold, or a particularly stressful time that’s stirred up your bladder pain again, know that you’re not alone. Whatever comes your way, we’re always here to support you.
Read about Carmel 28 yrs, Brinda 27 yrs
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Pelvic Health Matters
New name.
Same exceptional care.
Formerly known as Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy, our new name reflects both what we believe in and what we do. We have an unwavering belief that pelvic health matters for everyone, at every stage of life.
Same phone number: 03 8823 8300
New email: physio@pelvichealth.com.au