Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Support Group

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a urinary bladder disease of unknown cause characterised by pelvic and intense bladder pain, urinary frequency (as often as every 10 minutes), and pain with urination. It is not unusual for patients to experience nocturia and pain with sexual intercourse. IC is also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), particularly outside of the USA.

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Kidneys & Bladder
/ Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Support Group

intersititial cystitis and sex

froggy1234
froggy1234
One thing I am really confused by this intersititial cystitis is not just the pain but the pain associated with having sex. I don't have any pain until I get to that point of the feeling good and that causes pain, alot of pain. That is so frustrating and I tried to talk to my urologist about this but he honestly just passed it off. Does anyone else who has IC has this problem? If so is there anything that can be done to help ease this pain?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, unfortunately, I either have pain during sex or after it. When I start to feel good, that's when the pain comes. My husband and I haven't tried to have sex in several months because I'm always in a great deal of pain. I see a pain management specialist for meds and am now going through physical therapy. My PT inserted a vaginal dilator and it was very painful. She is trying to get me used to having an object inside. After time and slowly inserting this object daily, it's supposed to reteach my pelvic muscles how to relax so when I try to have sex, it won't be as painful. I'm hoping that PT will work. Some urologists are not sympathetic. Maybe you could see a doctor who specializes in vulvodynia (this is caused by the pelvic muscles tightening) or one who specializes in pelvic floor therapy. I totally understand how you feel. Another suggestion would be try taking a warm bath before sex, it helps to loosen up your pelvic muscles. I hope you will find the right kind of treatment that can help you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes I think most of us experience pain. The fact that your uro passed it off is terrible. I would find a new doctor that you can talk to about all of your symptoms.
Try lubercation something natural. If you go on the Interstitial Cystitis network they have some products for IC and sex.
Also letting your partner know about your pain and taking it easy helps. Some women use ice afterward or heating pad.