Pelvic Pain & Bladder Pain Syndrome

Chronic bladder or pelvic pain, pressure and urgency without infection — interstitial cystitis and related conditions — managed with a patient, multimodal plan.

Pelvic pain and bladder pain syndrome

Bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis) causes pelvic pressure or pain that worsens as the bladder fills, along with urgency and frequency — with repeatedly negative urine cultures. Chronic pelvic pain in men (chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is closely related. Both are real, diagnosable, and treatable, though they take patience.

Evaluation

A detailed history and symptom questionnaires, urine testing to exclude infection, a bladder diary, and cystoscopy when needed to rule out other causes and identify bladder lesions that respond to specific treatment.

A layered approach

  • Diet and behavioral changes, stress management, and pelvic-floor physical therapy
  • Oral medications and bladder instillations
  • Bladder hydrodistention under anesthesia, which can both confirm the diagnosis and relieve symptoms
  • Bladder Botox, nerve stimulation, or treatment of specific lesions for refractory symptoms

Dr. Sosenko manages complex pelvic pain with an emphasis on listening — these conditions are too often dismissed.

This page is general patient education and is not a substitute for a visit. Every patient is different — Dr. Sosenko will review your history, examination, and test results before recommending treatment.