Bladder Pain Specialist

Maiden Lane Medical

Multi-Specialty Group Practice located in New York, NY

Bladder pain can occur for many reasons. Patients in New York, NY, can feel confident, knowing Maiden Lane Medical doctors use comprehensive testing techniques and methods to ensure proper diagnosis and effective treatment for all sorts of medical issues that can cause acute and chronic bladder pain.

“I have visit many doctors for my problem, many just gave up on, but my Doctor is just amazing. She is careful and knows what she does, feel very comfortable. The clinic is really nice, and the people who work there are very professional and kind.”

PAULINA T.

I have constant bladder pressure and discomfort; what could be causing my symptoms?

Common causes of bladder pain are urinary tract infections, bladder stones, benign fibroids large enough to put pressure on the bladder, and bladder pain syndrome (BPS)/interstitial cystitis.

What is Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)?

BPS is defined as bladder discomfort that lasts for at least six weeks and occurs in the absence of a urinary tract infection or other known cause.

How is BPS diagnosed?

Your physician may diagnose you with BPS based on the symptom of discomfort with a full bladder and relief upon urination, accompanied by tenderness of the bladder/urethra/pelvis on exam. Urine studies will also be sent to rule out a urinary tract infection.

How did I get BPS?

Women are five times more likely to have BPS compared to men. You may be more likely to have BPS if someone in your family also does or if you have other chronic pain syndromes (endometriosis, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome), though more research is needed to find out exactly what causes BPS.

How is BPS treated?

The treatment of BPS oftentimes involves a multimodal approach. Common oral medications used are amitriptyline (Elavil), pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron), and hydroxyzine.

For an acute flare of bladder pain, your physician may offer you a bladder instillation, wherein a combination of medications will be placed into your bladder via a catheter in a simple office visit to help to relieve your symptoms.

In combination with these treatments, your physician may also suggest that you work with a physical therapist, a psychologist or psychiatrist, and other specialists to address additional chronic pain syndromes that are also present.

Should I change my diet if I have BPS?

Your physician may recommend that you limit your intake of caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods. For some patients, these substances may trigger exacerbations of their bladder symptoms.

Hanno PM, Burks DA, Clemens JQ, et al. AUA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. J Urol 2011; 185:2162.