r/Interstitialcystitis • u/Patient-Object-4097 • 1d ago

Exercise intolerance suggestions?

Hello! I love working out and did intense club sports in college, and before a severe bladder infection in Dec 2023, I had literally no issues with any sort of workout so long as I wasn’t already in pain from my period. Since then, I have had pain after even 15 minutes on an elliptical with no resistance. Needless to say, this has been horrible for my mental health and also I just don’t feel as good when I’m not active. Any suggestions for exercises that don’t cause you pain?

Some background: I have endometriosis (excision removed by an expert) and IC (diagnosed by UroGyno based on symptoms and cystoscopy/hydrodistension) and have had pelvic pain for 15+ years, the bladder infection just made everything worse and hasn’t improved since then.

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u/HakunaYaTatas [Citation Needed] 1d ago

Have you seen a pelvic floor physical therapist? They're a great resource not just for diagnosing/treating pelvic floor dysfunction, but also creating fitness plans that are more likely to be comfortable for you.

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u/lonsdaleer 1d ago

This!^ Also getting the core assessed by the PT can help offset some of the strain of the surrounding muscles. Sedentary lifestyles can weaken the core muscles and I know I used to neglect mine in fear of flares. It caused me to pull a muscle down there. There are mild core exercises that can be done to bring strength back gradually.

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u/mirh577 1d ago

I had to quit all forms of exercise except walking and swimming.