It’s not unusual for some patients to have no bladder sensitivity to foods. Why? Because their form of IC probably involves their muscles rather than their bladder wall. If your bladder symptoms do not get worse after eating certain foods OR you do not struggle with pain BEFORE urination that suggests that your bladder wall is healthy. Ask your urologist or OB/GYN for a pelvic floor assessment to determine if you have pelvic floor dysfunction (aka tight muscles, trigger points, etc.)

We think it is wise to avoid some of the strong risk foods, particularly coffees, teas and sodas, until your diagnosis is clarified. Bladder wall irritation and pelvic floor tension often co-exist and patients may sometimes have bladder wall flares or pelvic floor flares. Your short and long term goal is to protect the bladder wall.

Find more Q&A’s and learn more about the newly released IC Chef Cookbook here!