Headaches caused by bladder?

[butterfly422]

My doctors didn't think I had IC at first, because I didn't have classic symptoms. When they did the potassium sensitivity test, I felt just fine. Most of the time, the only thing that upsets my bladder is a pelvic exam or intercourse, and also drinks such as alcohol or highly caffeinated tea. However, I do get headaches that relate to my bladder pain. For instance, after intercourse/pelvic exam, I will have some bladder irritation, but it is the headache that I get along with it that is the most debilitating. I recently realized that I also get that same type of headache with alcohol, which of course is known to be a bladder irritant. For instance, I will have two drinks and feel very mild bladder pain, but a more substantial headache. The headache and lousy all over sick feeling I have after intercourse is much worse than the bladder pain unless I have a horrible flare. Does anyone else get this headache/sick feeling like I do? I think it is IC related, but maybe it is something different I need to investigate? I'm new to officially being diagnosed (after hydro-distention). Help me, please ;)

[ICNDonna]

It could be stress headaches. Have you seen your doctor about the headaches?

Donna

[butterfly422]

They are not stress headaches. They are actually what first brought me to the dr, 3 doctors actually--and that's how they found IC/PFD. They are very specific, they happen 5-8 hours after intercourse or an exam, almost like clockwork. All 3 of my doctors have said they have NO idea what causes this, which is really frustrating. Was hoping maybe someone out there had the same thing and could share what it was how/if they treated it.