Bladder wall thickening is sometimes caused by a condition called interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis produces inflammation and scarring in the bladder, which causes the lining of the bladder to thicken, explains Everyday Health.
When a person suffers from interstitial cystitis, the bladder wall thickens and becomes stiff. Many people with the condition need to urinate frequently, have pain and pressure in the pelvic area, a feeling of urgency when the need to urinate arises, and pain during intercourse, notes Everyday Health. Although women are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis more often, men and children can develop the condition as well. The precise causes of interstitial cystitis are not currently known, but various factors may be to blame, such as damage to the bladder from surgery, holding in urine for long periods of time, nerve damage, a history of bacterial infections, inflammatory diseases, and sexual abuse.
As of January 2015, there is no cure for interstitial cystitis, but there are different treatments available to relieve symptoms. Single forms of treatment or a combination of treatments are used depending on the severity of the condition and the particular patient’s needs. Some common treatments include medications, bladder stretching, washing the bladder, nerve stimulation or surgery, states Everyday Health.
Lifestyle changes often help patients manage this condition, reports Everyday Health. These include following a careful diet to avoid bladder irritation, bladder training and stress reduction techniques.
