Origin of Pain in Interstitial Cystitis: Effect of Ultrasound Treatment on the Concomitant Levator ani Spasm Syndrome

Abstract

The etiological factors of pain were studied in 31 females suffering from interstitial cystitis. The investigation was based partly on clinical observations of the results obtained after different methods of treatment (bladder distension, total cystectomy, ultrasound treatment of the perineal area) of the separate components of pain. It was found that, in most cases, the etiology of pain in interstitial cystitis is a combination: partly bladder-induced and partly caused by the painful levator ani spasm syndrome. In 7 patients, it was indicated that the principal etiology of the pain was the levator and spasm syndrome as diagnosed by digital examination per rectum. In such cases, ultrasound treatment given in the perineal area around the anus is of value in relieving pain.