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Bladder Pain Advice During IC/BPS Awareness Month

Bladder Pain Advice During IC/BPS Awareness Month

By: Robert J. Evans III, MD, FACS | Posted on: 28 Sep 2016


Bladder Pain Advice During IC Awareness Month

Managing the symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) is very important. Patients with bladder pain should make sure they are aware of personal habits that could improve their symptoms. 

Stay Hydrated

If you have IC/BPS make sure to stay well hydrated. Many patients think that cutting back on fluid intake will help lower urinary frequency. The truth is that sometimes cutting back on fluids can make frequency worse. When urine becomes highly concentrated it's very irritating and if you have IC/BPS this type of urine can cause more pain and more frequent urination. 

Keeping yourself well-hydrated so that your urine is a very pale yellow. This will help to decrease your bladder discomfort. You may find that you urinate less often than you would if you let your urine become dark and concentrated.

Diet Makes a Difference

Many patients find that sticking to an "IC-friendly diet" can help prevent bladder pain flares. Caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits and highly fermented foods tend to cause pain in patients with IC/BPS.

Stress Matters

Bladder pain is always worse during periods of stress. Make sure you make time during the day to do things that help you relax. Meditation, yoga, Tai-Chi, gentle exercise or even a good long soak in the tub can do wonders for your bladder pain.

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