Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome, is a chronic condition causing uncomfortable bladder pressure, pain, and a persistent, urgent need to urinate frequently. While its exact cause is unknown, managing symptoms through lifestyle changes (like diet), medications, and various therapies can significantly improve comfort and quality of life.

Interstitial Cystitis

Pentosan Polysulfate (Elmiron)

Imipramine (Tofranil)

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, NSAIDs)

Overview (CDC)

Interstitial Cystitis Association

Overview (NIH)

Podcast: Interstitial cystitis 101

Lifestyle changes

Overview (Urology Care Foundation)

Patient guide for download

IUGA Handout

Interstitial Cystitis Webinar, Dr. Rubin

Support Group information

University of Maryland, Shore Regional Health

LinkedIn profile

USNews

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a very common, non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows with age. This growth can press on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms like frequent urges, a weak stream, or waking up at night to urinate. It's often managed through lifestyle adjustments, medications, or, in some cases, minor procedures to help you feel more comfortable.

BPH, Enlarged Prostate

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, affecting the walnut-sized prostate gland. Early stages often have no symptoms, though risk increases with age and family history. Treatment options vary, from active surveillance to surgery or radiation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

Prostate Cancer

Vasectomy is a highly effective, permanent form of male birth control. It's a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from reaching the semen, thus preventing pregnancy. This procedure does not affect sex drive, hormone levels, or ejaculation volume, offering couples peace of mind about family planning.

Vasectomy

Low testosterone (low T) occurs when your body doesn't produce enough of this key male hormone. Symptoms often include fatigue, reduced sex drive, mood changes, and decreased muscle/bone mass. Causes range from aging and health conditions to lifestyle factors; management may involve lifestyle adjustments (like diet and exercise) and, if appropriate, hormone therapy, all discussed with your doctor.

Low testosterone

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys, often causing severe back or side pain and sometimes blood in the urine. They can be linked to dehydration or diet. While painful, many pass with increased fluids, or medical procedures may be needed for larger stones. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for prevention.

Kidney stones

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in your bladder's lining. The most common symptom is blood in urine, sometimes with frequent or painful urination. Smoking is a key cause, along with certain chemical exposures. Treatment options often include surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer stage. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, especially quitting smoking, is important for prevention and management.

Bladder cancer

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common condition in post-menopausal women, stemming from lower estrogen, which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary changes. Effective treatments, including lubricants, moisturizers, and specific therapies, can significantly improve comfort and quality of life, with staying well-hydrated also being helpful.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

Recurrent UTIs mean experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. Common symptoms include burning with urination, urgency, and frequent urges to go. While often caused by bacteria, managing them typically involves working with a doctor for treatment and discussing preventive steps like good hydration and hygiene to help reduce future occurrences.

Recurrent UTIs

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. While higher PSA levels can suggest prostate cancer, they can also be due to other prostate problems. It's vital to discuss with your doctor if screening is right for you, considering your age, health, and family history, to understand potential benefits and risks.

PSA, Prostate Cancer Screening

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This common condition can be caused by physical factors like diabetes or heart disease, psychological stress, or lifestyle choices. Effective treatments and lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise, can often help improve ED.

Erectile dysfunction

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, means blood is present, either visible (pink/red/brown) or microscopic. While often caused by treatable conditions like infections or kidney stones, it's crucial to see a doctor to identify the underlying cause and determine the best approach. Staying well-hydrated can sometimes help prevent certain contributing factors.

Blood in the urine

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is cancer that develops in the lining of the kidney or ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). Key symptoms often include blood in the urine. While smoking and certain chemical exposures are common risk factors, treatment typically involves surgery, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking are crucial.

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Tract

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition causing a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom trips day and night, and sometimes accidental leakage. This occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily. Lifestyle adjustments like managing fluid intake and diet, along with bladder training and various medications, can effectively help manage symptoms and improve daily life.

Overactive bladder

Testicular cancer is a treatable cancer that begins in the testicles, often appearing as a painless lump, swelling, or heaviness in the scrotum. While its exact causes are unclear (an undescended testicle is a known risk factor), it's highly curable, especially when caught early. Treatment typically involves surgery, sometimes with chemotherapy or radiation, making self-awareness and regular self-exams important for timely detection.

Testicular cancer

Female urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, often triggered by activities like coughing or sneezing, or a sudden, strong urge to go. It's a common condition, often related to childbirth, menopause, or age. While common, it's manageable; lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and other treatments can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Incontinence, female

A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This can cause symptoms like a weak urine stream, difficulty emptying your bladder, or pain. It often results from injury, inflammation, or infection. Thankfully, it's a treatable condition to restore normal urine flow.

Urethral stricture

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin of the penis cannot be fully pulled back over the glans (head of the penis). It's often normal in infants and young boys and usually resolves naturally. If it persists or causes issues like pain, difficulty urinating, or infections, treatment options may include topical creams, gentle stretching exercises, or in some cases, a surgical procedure like circumcision. Maintaining good hygiene is important.

Phimosis

Nocturia is the medical term for waking up one or more times during the night specifically to urinate. This can be caused by various factors, including fluid intake patterns, medications, and underlying health conditions like bladder issues or diabetes. Managing nocturia often involves lifestyle adjustments, such as timing fluid intake, and addressing any contributing medical conditions with your healthcare provider.

Nocturia

Testicular pain is discomfort or soreness in one or both testicles. It can range from dull to sharp and may stem from various causes like injury, infection, or inflammation. Due to potential serious underlying issues, it's crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Gentle support and rest may offer temporary relief.

Testicular pain

Male incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine, often due to weakened bladder muscles, prostate issues, or nerve damage. It's a common and treatable condition, manageable through lifestyle changes, exercises, medication, or other medical interventions. Discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider can help find effective solutions to improve quality of life.

Incontinence, male

Penile cancer is a rare cancer affecting the skin or tissues of the penis. Symptoms can include skin changes, lumps, unhealing sores, or unusual discharge. Risk factors include HPV and certain lifestyle factors; maintaining good hygiene can help. Treatment often involves surgery or radiation, and early detection is key for better outcomes.

Penile cancer

Peyronie's disease involves the development of fibrous scar tissue (plaque) inside the penis, leading to a noticeable bend, indentation, or shortening, often causing painful erections. It may arise from injury or genetics. Treatment options vary from watchful waiting to medications or surgery, aiming to reduce pain and improve sexual function and quality of life.

Peyronies' disease

Scrotal conditions involve various issues affecting the scrotum, the protective sac containing the testicles, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, or lumps. These can stem from infections, injuries, or fluid accumulation. While some may resolve with observation or medication, others might require surgery; prompt medical evaluation is always recommended for proper care.

Scrotal conditions

Kidney cysts are common, fluid-filled sacs that can form in the kidneys. Many are harmless, cause no symptoms, and require no treatment. Others may need monitoring or intervention if they grow large, cause pain, or affect kidney function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle generally supports kidney health.

Kidney cysts

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, a small organ in men. Symptoms often include pelvic pain, discomfort with urination, and urinary urgency. It can result from bacterial infections or other non-infectious causes. Treatment may involve medication, and lifestyle adjustments like adequate hydration and avoiding irritants can help manage symptoms. It's a common and often treatable condition.

Prostatitis

Genitalia conditions involve various issues affecting the reproductive and urinary areas, such as itching, pain, discharge, or lumps. Causes range from infections and inflammation to structural concerns. Treatments often include medications or minor procedures. Practicing good hygiene and openly discussing any concerns with a healthcare professional are key for managing these common conditions.

Genitalia conditions

Cancer is a disease where the body's cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Symptoms vary widely depending on the type and location, but common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. While causes are complex, healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise can influence risk and overall health.

Cancer basics

Christopher Runz

UM Shore Medical Facility at Cambridge

Board Certified Urologist

Surgery (Urology)

Attending Urologic Surgeon, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

Conditions affecting your bladder, kidneys, and how you urinate.

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

Conditions where your body bleeds too easily or can't stop bleeding.

Bleeding Concerns

Problems that stop urine from flowing freely from your kidneys, bladder, or tubes.

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Everyday health, wellness tips, and understanding how to manage your care.

General Health & Patient Education

Kidney Cancer

Cancers that start in the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ.

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

Health conditions affecting sex organs, fertility, & sexual well-being.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

Infections affecting your urinary tract, bladder, and private areas.

Urinary & Intimate Infections

Health issues impacting women's bodies and well-being, including reproductive health.

Women's Health

Problems with bladder, bowel, pain, or pelvic organ support.

Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Health

Conditions causing accidental urine leakage or loss of bladder control.

Urinary Incontinence

Conditions that cause pain, aches, soreness, or general unease.

Pain and discomfort

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Conditions from hard, stone-like deposits in kidneys and urinary tract.

Kidney Stones

Tests to find what's wrong or to check for health problems.

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Christopher Runz, DO

Interstitial Cystitis

Recommended Videos

Recommended Resources

Common Medication for Interstitial Cystitis

Related Resources from Dr. Runz

Meet Dr. Runz

Provider locations

Find me online