Does interstitial cystitis affect fertility or pregnancy?

The available study cannot confirm whether interstitial cystitis causes infertility or rules it out; it examined pregnancy outcomes in women who were already pregnant and did not test the likelihood of conception [5]. However, studies indicate associations between a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis and certain potential risks during pregnancy, such as pregnancy-related hypertension and preterm birth [5]. Managing the condition during pregnancy requires careful planning and reviewing medications with your physician.

Interstitial Cystitis and Fertility

Fertility is a separate issue from the safety of a pregnancy once it occurs. The presence of women with this condition in a birth database is not sufficient to measure the chances of conception or explain delayed conception. Therefore, fertility issues should be evaluated on their own merits, rather than assuming a cause from a study that does not measure fertility [5]. However, chronic symptoms of the condition, such as persistent pelvic pain and pain during intercourse, may indirectly affect the desire for conception or intimacy, which may make the process of planning for pregnancy more difficult both psychologically and physically. It is important to discuss these concerns with your doctor to develop an appropriate plan.

Interstitial Cystitis and Pregnancy Outcomes

A study based on a patient database in the United States suggests there are associations between a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis and certain negative pregnancy outcomes. This study found that women with interstitial cystitis may be at higher risk for conditions such as pregnancy-related hypertension and preeclampsia, preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis, increased likelihood of cesarean section, maternal infection, and deep vein thrombosis [5]. It is essential to emphasize that these findings reflect statistical associations, not evidence of a direct causal relationship, and do not necessarily mean that every woman with interstitial cystitis will experience these complications. These associations require further prospective studies to confirm and fully clarify their nature [5].

Medication Management and Pregnancy Planning

If you are planning to become pregnant, it is essential to review all medications you are taking for interstitial cystitis with your doctor. Some medications, such as pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron), have not been studied for safety in pregnant women, and the manufacturer recommends not using them during pregnancy [4]. You may need to adjust your treatment plan before or during pregnancy to ensure your safety and that of the fetus. Never change or stop any medication without medical consultation, as sudden discontinuation may lead to worsening symptoms. Your doctor can help you evaluate the risks and benefits of each treatment option. For more information on how to distinguish between this condition and others, you can view our article on Interstitial Cystitis: Chronic Bladder Pain with Negative Test Results (Arabic).

How to Understand Study Limitations When Planning

The aforementioned study is a retrospective analysis of pregnancy records, not a trial proving that bladder pain caused the complications. Furthermore, the results of a group of women do not predict what will happen to each individual woman. Researchers point to the need for future studies to confirm the relationships observed; therefore, these results are suitable for opening a discussion about monitoring and do not justify assuming that pregnancy is forbidden or that certain complications are inevitable [5].

Discuss symptoms that affect your life, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and your pain management plan with your doctor before pregnancy. Pharmacological consultation is important because safety data during pregnancy varies between medications, and the suitability of one treatment cannot be generalized to others [4]. The decision for follow-up care is based on your actual condition and the care plan established by the specialist, not on the presence of the diagnosis name alone.

Medical references

• Oral Medications for IC/BPS | Interstitial Cystitis Association
• Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome's Correlations with Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes: A Study of a Population Database (2021)