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UrologicalICD-10: N30.1Affects an estimated 3–8 million women and 1–4 million men in the U.S.

Interstitial Cystitis

Also known as: IC, Bladder Pain Syndrome, Painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, ranging from mild to severe. It primarily affects women and the exact cause is unknown. Treatment focuses on symptom relief through lifestyle modifications, medications, and bladder-specific therapies.

Symptoms

Chronic pelvic pain or bladder pain
Persistent, urgent need to urinate
Frequent urination in small amounts (up to 60 times/day in severe cases)
Pain during sexual intercourse
Pain that worsens as the bladder fills and improves after urination
Symptoms that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle

Causes

  • Defects in the bladder lining allowing irritants to penetrate
  • Mast cell activation in the bladder wall
  • Autoimmune mechanisms
  • Neurogenic inflammation and altered pain signaling

Risk Factors

  • Female sex (90% of patients are women)
  • Age 30–40 at onset
  • History of other chronic pain conditions (IBS, fibromyalgia)
  • Fair skin and red hair (possible association)

Diagnosis

  • Clinical evaluation based on symptoms for 6+ weeks
  • Urinalysis and urine culture to exclude UTI
  • Cystoscopy with hydrodistension
  • Exclusion of other conditions (UTIs, bladder cancer, endometriosis)

Treatment

  • Dietary modifications: avoiding bladder irritants
  • Oral medications: pentosan polysulfate, amitriptyline, hydroxyzine
  • Bladder instillations with DMSO or lidocaine/heparin
  • Pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Nerve stimulation (sacral neuromodulation)
  • Stress management and relaxation techniques

Prevention

  • No known prevention for IC
  • Identifying and avoiding dietary triggers may reduce flares
  • Stress management may decrease symptom severity

When to See a Doctor

  • You experience chronic pelvic or bladder pain
  • Urinary frequency significantly impacts quality of life
  • You have been treated for UTIs with negative urine cultures
  • Pain during intercourse is persistent

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Digestive

Fibromyalgia

Musculoskeletal

Endometriosis

Reproductive

Kidney Stones

Urological

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.