1. Urinary Incontinence in Women Slideshow Pictures
2. Urinary Incontinence in Men Slideshow Pictures
3. Food & Drinks That Make You Gotta Go Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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In this Article

• Overview of urinary function
• What is interstitial cystitis (IC)?
• What is the cause of interstitial cystitis?
• What are the signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis?
• How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment of interstitial cystitis?
• Are lifestyle modifications of value in managing interstitial cystitis?
• Are there any special concerns about interstitial cystitis?
• What is the prognosis (outcome) of interstitial cystitis?
• PBS/IC At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Interstitial Cystitis - Symptoms and Signs
• Patient Comments: Interstitial Cystitis - Describe Your Experience
• Find a local Urologist in your town
• Interstitial Cystitis Index

Diet

There is no scientific evidence linking diet to PBS/IC, but doctors and patients believe that certain foods, including alcohol, spices, chocolate, and caffeinated and citrus beverages, may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. Foods containing acid, for example, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, vitamin C, citrus fruits and beverages, vinegar, cranberries, strawberries, grapes, guava, mango, and pineapple also are believed to aggravate PBS/IC. Other foods that may increase symptoms because they contain the natural chemical tyramine include wine, beer, cheese, nuts, yogurt, bananas, soy sauce, chicken livers, raisins, sour cream, avocados, canned figs, corned beef, fava beans, brewers' yeast, and chocolate.

Some patients with PBS/IC also have noticed a worsening of symptoms after eating or drinking products containing artificial sweeteners. Patients may try eliminating such products from their diet and, if there is a reduction of symptoms, they can reintroduce them one at a time to determine which product seems to be aggravating their symptoms.

Smoking

Many PBS/IC patients feel that smoking worsens their symptoms. (Because smoking is the major known cause of bladder cancer, one of the best things a smoker can do for the bladder is to quit smoking.)

Exercise

Many PBS/IC patients feel that regular exercise helps relieve symptoms and, in some cases, hastens remission.

Bladder training

People who have found some relief from pain may then be able to reduce frequency using bladder training techniques. Methods vary but basically the patient decides to urinate at designated times and uses relaxation techniques and distractions to help keep to the schedule. Gradually, the patient lengthens the time between urinations. A diary usually is helpful in keeping track of progress.