INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
Interstitial Cystitis Specialists at CIGC
The GYN surgical specialists at The Center for Innovative GYN Care are experts in diagnosing interstitial cystitis and providing you with a broad range of treatment options.
If you are experiencing pain and other life-disrupting symptoms of this often–overwhelming bladder disorder, the interstitial cystitis specialists at CIGC can help you navigate treatment options ranging from lifestyle adjustments and holistic therapies to medication and surgical procedures. The goal of our specialists is to help you find relief and manage symptoms so you can feel like yourself again.
At CIGC, we understand that each woman experiences bladder disorders differently, and that treatments for interstitial cystitis are not one-size-fit-all. We have helped countless women successfully manage the symptoms and disruption of interstitial cystitis by compassionately and respectfully tailoring therapies to their individual needs.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis?
Women with interstitial cystitis (pronounced IN–ter-STISH-ul sis-TIE-tis) have a form of painful bladder syndrome. A chronic condition with no known cause, interstitial cystitis can often mimic a urinary tract infection, but antibiotics do not help. Hallmark symptoms include bladder or pelvic pain and the need to urinate urgently and frequently.
The CDC estimates that about 12% of women have early symptoms of the condition. Men can develop it, too, but it is 10 times more likely to show up in women. Interstitial cystitis is not officially a gynecological disorder, but it can co-exist with endometriosis in 60% to 80% of patients. Because of this, and because pelvic pain is also common among women with endometriosis, uterine fibroids and other GYN conditions, CIGC’s specialists evaluate for interstitial cystitis whenever patients are experiencing pelvic pain.
There are limitations, risks and benefits to be found among the many treatment options for interstitial cystitis. It’s important for a woman to consult a GYN expert like those at CIGC who have extensive experience diagnosing this condition and treating mild to moderate cases.
Severe cases may also require the expertise of a urologist or urogynecologist.
Interstitial Cystitis Treatment Options
While there is no cure for interstitial cystitis, or a single treatment that is effective for everyone, there are numerous self-care, lifestyle and medication treatments worth trying as well as major and minor medical procedures. A specialist can help you explore your options to find what works for you.
The CIGC Difference
Experts with The Center for Innovative GYN Care are renowned laparoscopic surgeons who have dedicated their careers to minimally invasive GYN procedures, with more than 25,000 performed to date. They are experts in performing interstitial cystitis diagnostic tests, including cystoscopy, bladder and urethra biopsies and potassium sensitivity tests.
They developed two groundbreaking surgical techniques that offer patients the fastest recoveries, smallest scars and lowest complication rates of any other method of surgery.
The surgeons at CIGC are dedicated to providing the best possible GYN care which means recognizing each patient’s unique needs, helping them understand all possible treatment options and enabling them to make informed health care decisions for themselves.
Part of the treatment process for interstitial cystitis and other GYN conditions may involve nonsurgical health care therapies. We offer holistic treatment options — including pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture and more — by certified experts at The CIGC Wellness Center. Services are offered onsite at CIGC’s Rockville location or virtually for your convenience.
Our Doctors
Our fellowship-trained, minimally invasive GYN specialists are experts in the diagnosis and management of complex GYN conditions. They have successfully helped women live their best lives with medical and alternative treatments.
Why CIGC?
A Gynecological Surgery Center of Distinction
CIGC is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Surgery by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL).
Advanced Techniques
Unlike the standard GYN surgical techniques, CIGC’s DualPortGYN® and LAAM® procedures allow patients to return home the same day. These advanced techniques also provide shorter recovery times and better outcomes. We care for each patient as a true individual through a detailed and personalized approach that puts your needs as a patient first.
Compared to open, robotic-assisted and standard laparoscopic techniques, CIGC surgical specialists use fewer and smaller incisions to minimize scarring and speed up recovery, resulting in lower complication rates. We get our patients back to their daily lives in one to two weeks on average — free from their GYN symptoms and worries.
Our Surgical and Wellness Centers
CIGC surgeries are performed at ambulatory surgery centers that are not attached to a hospital, meaning procedures are done on an outpatient basis and patients can go home the same day. These benefits are especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With convenient locations near major cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City, each center is fully outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed with friendly, compassionate professionals. We follow CDC guidelines to ensure the enhanced cleanliness and safety of each center. We also offer telemedicine consultations in addition to in-person appointments to discuss treatment options.
The CIGC Wellness Center, located at CIGC’s flagship location in Rockville, Maryland, offers nonsurgical, alternative treatments for the management of GYN conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis and pelvic pain.
