Highlights of the international pelvic pain society annual mtg

[xchocoholic]

Hi All,

This is an oldie but shows that pelvic pain can be from mast cells, etc ... tc ... x

http://hcp.obgyn.net/pelvic-pain/content/article/1760982/1977062

Common misdiagnoses include recurrent UTIs, non-bacterial prostatitis, urethral syndrome and urethral stenosis. Interstitial cystitis has multiple etiologies including inflammatory, allergic, neurogenic, and epithelial dysfunction. The interstitial cystitis bladder has a damaged uroepithelium, a mucus deficit, potassium diffusion, and inflammation leading to fibrosis. The pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis begins with a bladder insult which results in activation of C-fibers and substance P-release. This leads to mast cell activation and histamine release which results in epithelial layer damage.

[snip]

Medical therapy is available with Pentosan polysulfate sodium(Drug information on pentosan polysulfate sodium) (Elmiron) 100 mg three times a day and with patients who have allergies, treatment with hydroxycine hydrochloride (Atarax). In addition, the use of amitriptyline(Drug information on amitriptyline) hydrochloride (Elavil), paroxetine(Drug information on paroxetine) (Paxil), fluoxetine(Drug information on fluoxetine) (Prozac) and doxepin(Drug information on doxepin) (Adapin).

Relief from Elmiron may require up to 3 to 6 months of continued therapy, but it does provide long-term improvement when the therapy is continued. The role of anti-depressants is to assist sleep, increase pain threshold and elevate mood.

The role of antihistamines is to inhibit the role of mast cells in the IC picture.

PS. FWIW, I'm assuming that men will have similiar issues.