Interstitial Cystitis

What is interstitial cystitis (IC)?

Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome, is a chronic inflammation of the bladder which feels like minor to severe pressure or pain in the bladder or pelvic region. Although it is not technically an infection, it can sometimes be misdiagnosed as a chronic bladder infection or a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Who does interstitial cystitis affect?

It is estimated that as many as 3.3 million women and 1.6 million men in the USA may have symptoms of interstitial cystitis, affecting those of all races and ages.

What are the symptoms?

Those with IC usually have symptoms that feel very similar to a bladder infection. They often experience frequent UTIs, overactive bladders, urethral syndrome, prostatitis, and great pain in the bladder area (which is focused on the muscular layers of the bladder). The most common symptoms are:

Pelvic pain
Painful urination
Pain that is worsened with bladder filling or improved with urination
Dysuria (burning in the urethra)
The urgency to void and/or frequency of urination
The feeling of pressure in the bladder
Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
Pain during sexual intercourse

What are some associated conditions?

Those with interstitial cystitis often suffer from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic pain disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.

What is the cause?

The cause is thus far unknown. Several theories have been suggested, such as relation to infection, heredity/genetics, allergy, stress, or autoimmune disorders.

For medical advice, diagnosis, and determining a treatment plan, you should make an appointment with your health care practitioner.