Also known as: Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition causing persistent pelvic pain, pressure, and urinary frequency without infection. It significantly impacts quality of life.
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) affects an estimated 3-8 million women and 1-4 million men in the United States. It is a diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out infection and other causes.
The exact cause remains unclear but likely involves a combination of defective bladder lining (glycosaminoglycan layer), mast cell activation, neural sensitisation, and autoimmune mechanisms.
Treatment is multimodal and individualised. Many patients require a combination of dietary changes, medications, and bladder-directed therapies.
People with Interstitial Cystitis often experience the following symptoms.
Chronic suprapubic pain or pressure that typically worsens as the bladder fills and temporarily improves after voiding.
Voiding 16-40+ times per day in severe cases, significantly disrupting daily activities and sleep.
Intense urge to urinate that may be difficult to defer, distinct from overactive bladder urgency.
Pain during sexual intercourse, contributing to relationship difficulties and reduced quality of life.
Certain factors may increase your likelihood of developing Interstitial Cystitis.
Common approaches to managing interstitial cystitis. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.
Eliminating common triggers: coffee, alcohol, citrus, tomatoes, spicy foods, and artificial sweeteners.
Amitriptyline, hydroxyzine, or pentosan polysulfate sodium for symptom management.
Solutions (DMSO, heparin, lidocaine) instilled directly into the bladder via catheter.
Manual therapy and exercises for associated pelvic floor dysfunction, effective in many patients.
Exclusion of UTI, overactive bladder, and malignancy. Cystoscopy with hydrodistension may show glomerulations or Hunner lesions. Validated symptom questionnaires (O'Leary-Sant, PUF).
See a doctor if you have persistent pelvic pain, urinary frequency exceeding 8 times daily, or pain that worsens as the bladder fills, especially if UTI tests are negative.
Steps that may help reduce the risk of developing or worsening interstitial cystitis.
No proven prevention
Identify and avoid personal dietary triggers
Manage stress (can trigger flares)
Pelvic floor exercises
If left untreated or poorly managed, interstitial cystitis may lead to:
No. IC produces similar symptoms but urine cultures are negative. It is a chronic condition, not an infection.
No cure exists. Treatment manages symptoms and many patients experience periods of remission.
Significantly. Many patients identify specific dietary triggers. Elimination diets help identify personal triggers.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.