IC Disease

IC flares can be controlled if you are in tune with your body and you know what is triggering your symptoms.  You can’t always stop a flare from happening but when you know what is triggering your illness, then you can be prepared to take care of it as soon as it begins.  Below are some common IC flare triggers:

Menstrual Cycle and Hormones

The bladder is very sensitive and the monthly hormonal changes and the menstrual cycle women experience are a big IC flare trigger. I know around my menstrual cycle I can hardly walk without having severe pressure, urgency and frequency. It’s pretty bad. As a matter of fact, last night I wanted to take a walk through our local mall to get my exercise in because it was too hot outside and I couldn’t do it. I tried walking and I ended up using the restroom twice in about a fifteen minute period because the pressure was so bad.

Food/Diet

Diet is the most common reason an IC patient experiences a flare. Read my series on IC Elimination Diet to know what foods you should avoid in order to keep from having a diet-related flare.

Stress

Stress can be a big IC flare. What affects us emotionally results in physical consequences. If your body has a weakness that is where the stress will appear. It is the same for people with IC. If they are experiencing stress, their IC symptoms will likely flare.

Exercise

Certain types of exercise, especially those that involve the pelvic area, can trigger IC symptoms. Riding a bicycle (which I am guilty of!) can really cause IC symptoms to flare because of the large amount of pressure placed on the pelvic region from the bicycle seat. Other exercises that make my IC symptoms worse are walking too fast and I can’t run at all. That is an instant trigger.

Vitamins

Multivitamins are out for IC patients. Most patients that take them find that their symptoms flare shortly afterward. Multivitamins include Vitamin C and Vitamin B6 which are known to make IC symptoms worse.

Sex

I know no one likes to hear that sex is an IC trigger but sadly it’s true. Women will typically experience a worsening of their IC symptoms 24 - 48 hours after having sex. Men with IC experience a severe pain during orgasm.

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