COVID-19 Office Updates: Click Here to learn more.

Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Specialist

The Chronic Pelvic Pain Center of Northern Virginia

Chronic Pelvic Pain Specialists & Gynecologists located in Vienna, VA

People with interstitial cystitis can feel the need to urinate up to 60 times a day. That just puts a damper on your work, family time, social life, and quality of life. At The Chronic Pelvic Pain Center of Northern Virginia, Melissa A. Delgado, MD, FACOG diagnoses this complex condition and treats it with medication and minor procedures to relieve your discomfort and end those endless trips to the bathroom. Call or click today to schedule an appointment in Vienna, Virginia.

Interstitial Cystitis Q & A

What is interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the bladder and pelvic area. Symptoms vary from person to person, but they usually include:

  • Bladder pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Lower back pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during sex
  • Urgency to urinate

Some physicians believe IC might be a collection of different diseases, rather than a single condition. Because many women diagnosed with IC also have irritable bowel syndrome, some doctors believe a general inflammatory condition could the cause of IC for many people.

How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?

Because IC symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, it can be difficult to diagnose the condition.

Many women with IC often go undiagnosed for months or even years, needlessly living with pain and discomfort for too long. Dr. Delgado is a chronic pelvic pain specialist who understands your frustration and desperate desire to find an answer and relief from symptoms.

Dr. Delgado reviews your health history and physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and rules out all other health issues that may be causing your symptoms. Assessing your pain level and the factors that increase and decrease your pain can be helpful in diagnosing IC.

How is interstitial cystitis treated?

For true and lasting relief, Dr. Delgado first diagnoses and treats the underlying infection causing your IC. She uses specialized DNA technology to identify the bacteria, fungi, and biofilms involved and treat them accordingly.

Your treatment plan depends on your symptoms, but will most likely involve a combination of antimicrobial bladder installations, dietary changes, and supplements to overcome the symptoms of IC. This treatment is successful for many women, with most experiencing a significant reduction in pain. Many are pain-free within six months to a year.

The constant need to urinate or pain during urination aren’t always signs of age or a bladder infection. With an accurate diagnosis, painful bladder syndrome symptoms can be reduced.

To discuss your symptoms with Dr. Delgado, call or click to schedule an appointment in the Vienna, Virginia office today.