Bladder pain without infection is often caused by Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS), an inflammatory condition where the bladder lining is irritated, or by pelvic floor dysfunction, tight muscles at the base of the pelvis that cause pain and urinary issues, or conditions like endometriosis, where tissue growth irritates the bladder. Other causes can include nerve issues, bladder stones, or inflammation from other chronic illnesses like IBS or fibromyalgia, leading to pressure, urgency, and discomfort.
Interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic bladder health issue. It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this pain are lower urinary tract symptoms which have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes.
When to see a doctor. If you're experiencing chronic bladder pain or urinary urgency and frequency, contact your health care provider.
Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis may all cause burning when urinating and increased frequency. Unlike UTIs, STIs might also cause unusual discharge, itching, or pain during sexual activity. Because the symptoms overlap, it's easy to confuse one for the other.
You might return a negative culture if: Your urine became contaminated during the collection process. The pathogens get missed if the bacteria adhered to your bladder and are no longer floating in your urine. You have a different pathogen, undetectable by standard UTI cultures.
Genetic and immune disorders, recurrent bacterial infections, and pelvic floor dysfunction are possible factors that can lead to this condition. Excessive frequency of urination, urinary urgency, and urethra, bladder or pelvic pain are common symptoms.
Over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic drinks can really irritate your bladder. That said, be sure to stick to water and mild foods.
What are some examples of urodynamic tests?
See a GP if:
you have pain in your bladder, lower tummy or back that does not go away or keeps coming back.
Cystitis signs and symptoms may include:
People usually begin feeling symptoms of interstitial cystitis in their forties. Symptoms can vary from individual to individual. This is a chronic condition, and your pain and symptoms can increase in severity over time.
A cystoscopy test is typically a quick procedure. You'll be lying down, and your doctor may give you a sedative or general anesthesia to help you relax or sleep through the procedure. You should also plan to have a ride to and from the testing facility.
The following may help reduce the length and severity of your interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome flare-ups:
If you experience any discomfort, your doctor may prescribe an analgesic, such as phenazopyridine, a pain-relief medication for the urinary tract. Others include those that reduce bladder spasms and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
There isn't a specific test for interstitial cystitis, but our urologists have many diagnostic tools they can use to make a diagnosis. After a physical exam, our physicians may order urinalysis, a biopsy, or a cystoscopy procedure to examine the urethra and the bladder.
It may feel like a bladder or urinary tract infection, but it's not. It is a feeling of discomfort and pressure in the bladder area that lasts for six weeks or more with no infection or other clear cause. There may also be lower urinary tract symptoms like a regular, urgent need to pass urine.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), to relieve pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine (Tofranil), to help relax your bladder and block pain.