urethrea sensitivity

Dear doctor
i am a 38 year old female and i have been diagnosed with ic. I am taking elmiron and have changed my diet. the pain seems to under control but i always feel my urethrea sometimes on the tip and sometimes a couple of inches in. when
i have a frequency attack i have this feeling all day. Is there a medication for this particular symptom. I also suffer from endometriosis and bi polar disorder for which i take geodon and lamictal.

[David A Burks, MD]

Hi,  
It is common for IC patients to have pain/sensations/discomfort in their urethra.  Elmiron is a standard treatment and I start everyone on the IC diet.  You're doing the right things but still having symptoms.  Have you been on a low dose of Elavil?  Elavil is an antidepressant but it is also widely used for the pain of IC.  There is also a medication called pyridium which is like an anesthetic mediction (medication) for the bladder and urethral lining and may help during the flare up of symptoms.  Endometriosis is thought to cause bladder and urethral symptoms as well so make sure that is being treated. Your Urologist/Gynecologist can help you control these symptoms.  Good Luck.