In October 2024, actress Lili Reinhart received a diagnosis that clarified her persistent health issues. She learned she has interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition characterized by an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. This revelation followed two years of unexplained health challenges, beginning with gut issues and weight gain in 2022. Her health struggles intensified over the summer while filming her upcoming thriller "American Sweatshop" in Germany.
Reinhart's health took a turn for the worse during her time in Germany, leading to hospitalization. Doctors conducted a urinalysis, which indicated a slight infection, and prescribed antibiotics. However, her symptoms persisted, resulting in two more hospital visits under the assumption of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Despite these attempts at treatment, she continued to suffer from a constant urgency to urinate, which did not dissipate with the antibiotics.
"The second I'm done peeing, I still feel like I have to pee, but my pee is showing up with no infection," said Lili Reinhart.
Upon returning to Los Angeles, Reinhart sought out specialists and finally obtained a proper diagnosis—interstitial cystitis—in October 2024. Her weekly treatment now includes bladder instillations, where a catheter filled with medication is inserted into her urethra to relax the pelvic and bladder muscles.
Reinhart's journey has not only been about managing her physical health but also about advocating for herself—a lesson she attributes to her grandmother's experience. Her grandmother faced delays in cancer diagnosis due to medical dismissals, which instilled in Reinhart the importance of listening to her body and persevering in seeking answers.
"My grandmother was ignored by doctors for months when exhibiting clear symptoms of cancer — and it was only after her own strength and advocation for herself that she was given a blood test that diagnosed her," Reinhart shared.
"Listen to your body, and don't take no for an answer. Don't let a doctor tell you that nothing's wrong when you know that there is… my grandmother knew something was wrong. She said, 'Run tests.' I'm sure that a part of my advocacy for women must come from that. I'm so proud to be her granddaughter."
Reinhart considers 2024 as "the hardest year of my life," yet she remains resolute in using her platform to raise awareness about interstitial cystitis. Her openness about mental health and personal struggles serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
"The most important thing I have taken away from this experience is the absolute need to advocate for your own health," Reinhart emphasized.
