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Painful bladder syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis, is a chronic condition that affects people worldwide. Recurring pelvic pain, bladder pressure, and frequent urination characterise it. While both men and women can experience painful bladder syndrome, women are more affected by it.
In Singapore, an estimated 400,000 people are living with interstitial cystitis. This condition can impact a person’s quality of life, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. Therefore, women in Singapore need to understand this condition and seek proper treatment.
Painful bladder syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis, is a chronic condition characterised by long-term pain or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic area.
What has been elucidated from studies is that the painful sensation is due to a defect in the water-proof layer (called a GAG layer) of the skin lining within the bladder, which causes noxious substances to cross into the bladder tissues and trigger off pain nerve fibres.
This can lead to painful sensations when filling or deflating of the bladder occurs. It is believed that PBS also has immune and nerve-related components to the disease process, though further research is needed to fully understand them.
Women with painful bladder syndrome may have varying symptoms of different severity. These can include:
Diagnosing painful bladder syndrome is challenging due to its overlapping symptoms with other urinary tract disorders. Doctors will perform a check-up, review the patient’s medical history, and conduct tests to rule out other issues.
A common test for IC is cystoscopy. This process involves the doctor inserting a thin tube with a camera into the bladder to check its lining. Other tests may include analysing urine, testing bladder function, and assessing pelvic floor muscles.
While there is no known cure for painful bladder syndrome, several treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life. This includes:
Sometimes, doctors suggest surgery for severe cases when other treatments haven’t been successful.
Painful bladder syndrome can impact a person’s life, and individuals should not ignore it. If you have IC symptoms, see an Urogynaecologist or urology specialist for medical help.
At Singapore Urogynecology, our doctor provide comprehensive care and treatment for women with painful bladder syndrome.
Don’t let painful bladder syndrome affect your daily life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about managing this condition in Singapore.
When in doubt, enquire now and fix an appointment to see us today!
Dr Tseng's expertise covers urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, apart from that, his particular interest lies in the holistic management of Overactive Bladder Syndrome and other functional bladder conditions. With many years of experience in this field, he is committed to providing patients
