Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS): Care Instructions

Overview

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), also called interstitial cystitis, is a condition that causes bladder pain. The pain can be severe. It also causes an urgent, frequent need to urinate. The pain and other symptoms can make it hard for a person to function and have a good quality of life.

Doctors do not know what causes BPS. But they do know that it is not caused by an infection. Your doctor may do tests to make sure that you do not have an infection, kidney stones, or bladder cancer.

People with BPS often also have another condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstrual periods, or fibromyalgia.

It may take several weeks or months to find a treatment that works. If diet and lifestyle changes do not help, you may need medicine. Your doctor may also put liquid or medicine into your bladder for a short time to treat the pain.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Avoid eating spicy foods or high-acid foods, such as tomatoes and oranges, if these foods seem to make your pain worse. Also, limit caffeine and alcohol.
• If a certain food seems to cause pain in your bladder, stop eating it to see if the pain goes away.
• See if using heat or cold helps relieve pain. This could be a warm bath, a heating pad, or an ice pack.
• Find ways to relax and lower your stress, such as listening to restful music, having a massage, or meditating.
• If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking can irritate the bladder. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Try bladder training. Set certain times to go to the bathroom and slowly increase the time between visits. This may help lengthen the time your bladder can hold urine.
• Take care of your mental health, and get support if you need it. Bladder pain syndrome can affect many aspects of your life, including your mental health. Talk to your doctor if you are feeling sad or anxious and it is not getting better. It may also help to:
  • Join a support group. For more information about groups near you, contact the Interstitial Cystitis Association at www.ichelp.org, the ICNetwork at www.ic-network.com, or the American Chronic Pain Association at www.theacpa.org.
  • Talk to a counselor. Look for one who has had training in managing chronic pain.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have symptoms of a urinary infection. For example:
  • You have blood or pus in your urine.
  • You have pain in your back just below your rib cage. This is called flank pain.
  • You have a fever, chills, or body aches.
  • You have pain when you urinate.
  • You have groin or belly pain.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.