What do we Know about Interstitial Cystitis in Men?
One of the most common myths about IC is it's a "woman's condition" - in fact, men are almost as likely as women to have IC symptoms. However, interstitial cystitis in men is often misdiagnosed or may take years to get a true IC diagnosis.
Unfortunately, many providers don't know how to treat interstitial cystitis in men and it can often be difficult finding the right medical team.
Men with interstitial cystitis are often misdiagnosed with a suspected sexually transmitted disease or given a diagnosis of chronic prostatitis instead.
Men manifest with the same symptoms, severity and prevalence of interstitial cystitis....Many researchers now believe that chronic prostatitis, diagnosed exclusively in men, may actually be the same condition as interstitial cystitis. - Dr. Nicole Cozean, The Interstitial Cystitis Solution
Interstitial Cystitis in Men or Chronic Prostatitis?
There is a ton of overlap between chronic prostatitis and interstitial cystitis in men. In fact, most researchers believe them to be exactly the same condition, or - if not - at least closely related.
In chronic prostatitis the prostate is the innocent bystander being blamed for symptoms; in interstitial cystitis for men it's the bladder.
Initial treatment often focuses on these organs, ignoring the pelvic floor (the most likely driver of symptoms) and the global issues underlying symptoms.
Pelvic Physical Therapy for Men with Interstitial Cystitis
Pelvic floor physical therapy is the most proven treatment for interstitial cystitis in both men and women. Unfortunately, many pelvic PTs aren't as familiar with treating men, or focus more on women's health issues.
It's important to find a practitioner who both understands interstitial cystitis and chronic pain conditions, but also is fully comfortable and experienced in working with men.
Online Course to G
uide Your Care
Many patients feel overwhelmed with the different options, feel they aren't heard in short, 10-min office visits or haven't been able to find a medical team who truly specialize in IC treatment.
At PelvicSanity, we do offer remote consultations to guide your care one-on-one, but we also created an awesome patient-focused course on Interstitial Cystitis.
We review all the treatment options and give you practical, positive tips for finding the right medical providers, creating a self-care program to reduce symptoms, ideas for avoiding trigger foods and how to take back control of your health for lasting relief. If that might be helpful, feel free to check out the new IC: Roadmap to Healing online course ($87).
At PelvicSanity, we support patients beyond the walls of our own clinic in Southern California. We offer an Out-of-Town program, remote consultations, and a Facebook support group for patients called Finding Pelvic Sanity.
Dr. Nicole Cozean is the founder of PelvicSanity Physical Therapy in Orange County, CA. PelvicSanity treats patients from all over the world with remote consultations and the Immersive Out of Town Program. She also runs Pelvic PT Rising, training other pelvic PTs to better serve patients.
Named Physical Therapist of the Year, Dr. Nicole is author of the award-winning book The Interstitial Cystitis Solution and the first PT to serve on the ICA Board of Directors, Her passion is helping those with pelvic health issues - regardless of where they live - find lasting relief.