Bladder Pain Treatment Specialist in Arcadia, and Glendale CA
If you’re experiencing bladder pain or related issues, visit The OB-GYN & Incontinence Center to consult with Dr. Prema Kothandaraman, MD, a specialist in bladder pain treatment. Get the personalized care you need for improved comfort and health. Our clinics are located in Arcadia, CA, and Glendale, CA. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online.




Table of Contents:
What are the common causes of bladder pain?
Is bladder pain always a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
How is bladder pain diagnosed by a doctor?
What conditions can cause chronic bladder pain?
Another possible cause that affects many women is interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition characterized by pain and pressure in the bladder area, and in some cases, extending to pelvic pain. This condition is more prevalent in women than men.
Bladder stones, which are hard mineral accumulations, can induce bladder pain by causing blockages and irritation when they pass into the ureters. Our center can treat this condition.
Bladder cancer, while not as common, can lead to bladder pain. This pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as blood in the urine or an increased frequency of urination. Early detection and treatment are critical, and our specialists are equipped to provide the necessary care.
At the OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, we also deal with bladder-related discomforts caused by certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which can lead to inflammation and irritation of the bladder.
Certain medications, radiation therapy, or even a reaction to specific foods or beverages can cause bladder discomfort. For instance, some women experience bladder pain after consuming spicy or acidic foods, caffeine, or alcohol.
Lastly, certain chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could also be the culprit. These conditions can increase the body’s general sensitivity to pain, making bladder discomfort more noticeable. At our center, we’re committed to diagnosing and treating these conditions to help our patients regain their quality of life.
Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, and can sometimes attach to the bladder, causing pain and discomfort. Additionally, pelvic floor dysfunction, which involves the weakness or overactivity of the muscles supporting the bladder, can cause bladder pain. Both of these conditions are areas of specialty at our practice.
Moreover, Interstitial cystitis, a chronic disorder known as painful bladder syndrome, can result in recurring pain or discomfort in the bladder and surrounding pelvic region. Urine cultures show no bacteria, however the symptoms could be similar to those of a UTI. Overactive bladder (OAB), a condition where the bladder contracts involuntarily, causing frequent and urgent urination, can also lead to bladder pain. These are all conditions that our experienced team at the OB-GYN & Incontinence Center can help diagnose and treat.
If you’re experiencing persistent bladder pain, it’s crucial to come see one of our healthcare professionals for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options may vary from antibiotics for UTIs, medications and lifestyle modifications for Interstitial cystitis and OAB, addressing underlying causes for Urethral syndrome, physical therapy for Pelvic floor dysfunction, to surgery for Kidney stones.
Remember, bladder pain is not always a sign of a urinary tract infection. If you have bladder pain along with any other symptoms, it’s critical to get evaluated by a doctor to receive appropriate treatment. At the OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, we focus on early intervention to help prevent complications and improve outcomes.
We start your journey with us with a physical examination and a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history. We inquire about the symptoms you’re experiencing, including pain, frequency, and urgency of urination, and nocturia. Our doctors also take into account any past surgeries, bladder or urinary tract infections, or other long-term health conditions you might have. To help us make an accurate diagnosis, patients need to provide precise and detailed information.
Next, we conduct a meticulous physical exam, which may include a pelvic exam, to check for any physical abnormalities that could be causing the pain.
We also utilize a range of diagnostic tests to help identify the cause of your discomfort. These tests include:
● Urinalysis: This test checks for signs of infection, bladder stones, blood, or other abnormalities in your urine.
● Cystoscopy: Here, we insert a thin, lighted tube into the bladder through the urethra to visualize the lining and identify any abnormalities.
● Hydrodistension: This procedure involves filling the bladder with water or saline to check for any discomfort. It also serves as a urodynamic test to measure the pressure and volume inside the bladder.
● Imaging tests: Depending on your symptoms and medical history, we might recommend a CT scan or ultrasound to get a detailed view of your bladder and surrounding organs.
● Biopsy: If the cause of the bladder pain isn’t clear after these tests, we may take a small tissue sample from the bladder lining for further examination.
Our team also considers the possibility of other conditions causing bladder pain, such as UTIs, overactive bladder, pelvic floor disorders, chronic prostatitis, endometriosis, or sexually transmitted infections.
At the OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, We are aware that every patient is different and needs a customized strategy. We can develop a customized treatment plan to reduce your symptoms and enhance your quality of life by ruling out other illnesses and determining the underlying reason.
One common cause we often encounter is Interstitial Cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). This is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the bladder wall, causing uncomfortable bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pain in your pelvic region.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are another common cause of chronic bladder pain, especially if they become recurrent or persistent. These most often involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.
Bladder cancer, a prevalent form of cancer that starts in the bladder’s cells, may cause bladder pain in certain patients.
As an OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, we also frequently diagnose endometriosis, a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, as a cause of chronic bladder pain.
Bladder stones and kidney stones are other potential causes of bladder pain, often developing when you have trouble completely emptying your bladder.
Additionally, chlamydia or gonorrhea are examples of sexually transmitted illnesses that can cause bladder pain. We also see conditions like Overactive Bladder (OAB), Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, Urethral Syndrome, and Prostatitis leading to bladder pain.
It is crucial to seek medical attention if bladder pain persists or worsens, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like blood in the urine. At the OB-GYN & Incontinence Center, we have the expertise to accurately diagnose the cause of chronic bladder pain. If you are experiencing chronic discomfort, we urge you to contact us for a consultation. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Arcadia, and Glendale CA. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Glendale CA, Monrovia CA, Pasadena CA, Los Angeles CA, Burbank CA, and surrounding areas.


Additional Services You May Need
▸ Urogynecology
▸ Minimally Invasive Gynecology
▸ Monalisa & Medical Aesthetics
▸ Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
▸ Urinary Incontinence
▸ Pelvic Organ Prolapse
▸ Painful Bladder
▸ Urinary Tract Infection
▸ Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
▸ Female Sexual Dysfunction
▸ Urinary Retention
▸ Vaginal Laxity & Prolapse
▸ Postpartum Pelvic Floor Problems
▸ PCOD
▸ Bladder Prolapse Repair
▸ Vaginal Hysterectomy
▸ Urgent PC
▸ Fibroids
▸ Excessive Bleeding
▸ Pelvic Pain
▸ Birth Control & IUD
▸ Vaginal & Pelvic Infection
▸ Monalisa Touch
▸ STD
▸ TempsureVitalia
▸ Biote Pellet Therapy
▸ Topical BHRT
▸ Flexsure
▸ Rectal Prolapse Repair
▸ Tempsure ENVI
▸ Minimally Invasive Pelvic Surgery for Incontinence