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Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition that can cause pain and other symptoms. People with interstitial cystitis have an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. This inflammation can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, less bladder capacity (the bladder is able to hold less urine), pinpoint bleeding in the bladder lining. In rare cases, ulcers form in the bladder lining. Severe cases of interstitial cystitis can be very disabling.
There is no known cause of interstitial cystitis because interstitial cystitis varies so much in symptoms and severity. It is actually believed to be several diseases. It is also believed to be an autoimmune response following a bladder infection. Studies have shown that antibiotics are not useful for treating interstitial cystitis.
The symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary from person to person and even with the same person. People with interstitial cystitis may experience mild discomfort, pressure, tenderness or intense pain in the bladder and surrounding pelvic area. Symptoms may include an urgent need to urinate (urgency), frequent need to urinate (frequency), or a combination of these symptoms. Pain may change in intensity as the bladder fills with urine or as it empties. Women's symptoms often get worse during their periods. Pain during sex is common.
Some people find that their bladders cannot hold much urine, which increases the frequency of urination. Yet some people with severe frequency have bladders that can hold a normal amount of urine. A person with severe cases of interstitial cystitis may urinate as many as 60 times during a 24-hour period.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Interstitial cystitis: Mix (?) drops of grapefruit seed extract in 1-cup water. Drink 3 times daily, for one month.
