Pregnancy and interstitial cystitis: Crucial insights explained
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and Pregnancy: A Comprehensive Guide
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition that affects the bladder, causing symptoms such as a frequent and urgent need to urinate, pelvic pain, and painful urination. This condition may complicate fertility and pregnancy, but with careful management, women with IC can have successful pregnancies.
Effect of IC on Fertility and Pregnancy
IC itself is not known to reduce fertility directly. However, chronic pelvic pain and inflammation may indirectly affect sexual function and conception timing. There is no clear evidence that IC impairs ovarian function or uterine receptivity. Women with IC can conceive, although the disease’s symptoms and treatments might impact comfort and pregnancy management.
During pregnancy, IC symptoms may change, stay the same, or improve. According to the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), many people with IC may experience an improvement in their symptoms during pregnancy. However, some may experience worsening or fluctuating symptoms, requiring careful management.
Safe Treatment Options for Pregnant Women with IC
Treatment during pregnancy focuses on minimizing fetal risk, avoiding bladder instillations not proven safe, and emphasizing conservative symptom management. Common treatments like Hyacyst and Cystistat (instillations administered directly into the bladder) are not recommended during pregnancy due to lack of adequate safety studies in pregnant women.
Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, administered through a catheter directly into the bladder, may be used as treatment during pregnancy. While there is a very low risk, at 2-4%, of congenital abnormalities in the fetus, pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare providers.
Non-pharmacologic and conservative approaches are preferred, such as lifestyle and dietary modifications, pelvic floor physical therapy, and avoiding bladder irritants. Many oral medications for IC require careful evaluation of risk versus benefit during pregnancy. For example, biological agents like Adalimumab have detailed pregnancy usage precautions and require close monitoring if considered.
Additional Notes
Underlying reproductive health conditions like endometriosis, which can coexist with IC, may affect fertility more significantly and need comprehensive evaluation and treatment. Fertility preservation techniques, such as egg freezing, are considered mainly for conditions directly impairing egg quality rather than IC itself.
In some people, pregnancy may cause IC symptoms to flare up, but for others, symptoms may stay the same or improve. IC can affect a person's ability to conceive through sexual intercourse. Home remedies for treating IC include drinking plenty of fluids, recording any foods or drinks that may trigger a flare to avoid them, reducing stress and trying relaxation techniques, wearing loose, comfortable clothing, avoiding smoking, doing regular, low-impact physical activity, and avoiding sexual intercourse during flares.
Support for IC Patients
The Interstitial Cystitis Association has support groups in the United States and online. The Interstitial Cystitis Network has a forum and support groups. These resources can provide valuable support and information for those living with IC.
In summary, IC does not typically cause infertility but may complicate pregnancy symptoms, and treatment during pregnancy focuses on minimizing fetal risk, avoiding bladder instillations not proven safe, and emphasizing conservative symptom management. Pregnant women with IC should work closely with their healthcare providers to tailor safe and effective treatment plans.
- Although Interstitial Cystitis (IC) does not directly impact fertility, chronic pelvic pain and inflammation linked to the condition may indirectly affect sexual function and conception timing.
- During pregnancy, the safety of common IC treatments like Hyacyst and Cystistat is questionable due to a lack of adequate safety studies in pregnant women, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatments.
- Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, administered through a catheter directly into the bladder, may be used during pregnancy, although there is a very low risk, at 2-4%, of congenital abnormalities in the fetus.
- In the context of health-and-wellness and women's health, supportive resources such as the Interstitial Cystitis Association and the Interstitial Cystitis Network offer valuable support and information for those living with IC, particularly during pregnancy.
