“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Painful bladder syndrome (PBS), also known as interstitial cystitis (IC), is a chronic condition that causes pain and discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region. The exact cause of PBS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a defect in the bladder lining, an autoimmune response, or nerve damage.
Symptoms of PBS include:
There is no cure for PBS, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Treatment options may include:
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding bladder irritants (such as caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods), practicing stress management techniques, and bladder retraining may also be helpful in managing symptoms.
PBS can be a challenging condition to manage, but working with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help improve quality of life for those with this condition.