What is interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic, yet manageable, pain condition that affects the bladder. The severity of pain ranges from mild to severe.
People with interstitial cystitis feel a frequent urge to urinate and tend to only urinate small amounts at a time.
Though not common in women, Dr. Pecht found a need to specialize in identifying and providing care for patients with interstitial cystitis. She recognizes that each patient has their own unique concerns, expectations, and symptoms.
Dr. Pecht’s goal is to help her patients feel better and learn how to manage their symptoms.
What are symptoms of interstitial cystitis?
Symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary from person to person. Your symptoms may also change over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Recurring pelvic pain
- Pressure or discomfort in the bladder or pelvic region
- Ongoing and persistent urge to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Bladder pain or discomfort that’s relieved after urination
- Pain during sex
Signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis are similar to those that occur in people with chronic UTIs but without an infection.
If you’re experiencing pelvic pain, bladder pressure, or a change in urinary frequency, contact Gwinnett's Progressive Healthcare for Women to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pecht.
How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?
Dr. Pecht specializes in interstitial cystitis and has been featured in numerous publications because of her advanced knowledge about the condition and its treatments.
Before your appointment, Dr. Pecht may request that you keep a bladder diary to monitor your symptoms and urination habits.
During your exam, she reviews your medical and gynecological history and performs a physical and pelvic exam. She may also conduct diagnostic tests, such as urinalysis, cystoscopy, urine cytology, or potassium sensitivity test, to confirm or rule out other conditions to explain your symptoms.
She may also take a biopsy of your bladder tissue to rule out bladder cancer or other abnormalities that may explain your symptoms.
How is interstitial cystitis treated?
Dr. Pecht takes an individualized approach to treating interstitial cystitis. She works closely with you to develop a plan that alleviates your symptoms, improves bladder function, and fits your lifestyle.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Dietary counseling to avoid foods that irritate the bladder
- Medication to reduce discomfort
- Bladder instillations to remove sediment accumulation
- Education for self-catheterization and home bladder instillations
- Referrals to physical therapy, pain management, urology, and other providers as needed
- Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (Urgent® PC office-based treatment)
Gwinnett's Progressive Healthcare for Women also offers retail products to help patients manage interstitial cystitis. These products include Prelief® dietary supplements, personal lubricants, and bladder instillation travel kits. The practice also carries books about vaginismus.
Gwinnett's Progressive Healthcare for Women aims to meet all your health needs using the most advanced tools and techniques. Call the office or book an appointment online today to schedule your interstitial cystitis consultation with the on-staff specialist.
