Interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition in which a person experiences bladder heaviness, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain that ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain.

Your bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine The bladder expands until it is full, and then, with the help of the pelvic nerves, signals to the brain that it is time to urinate. This creates the urge to urinate With interstitial cystitis, these signals are disrupted, and you tend to urinate more often and with less urine than other people.

Interstitial cystitis often occurs in women and is a long-term problem There is no cure for interstitial cystitis, but there are medications and other treatments that can provide relief

---

The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, although it is most likely developed with the participation of many factors For example, people with interstitial cystitis may also have a defect in the lining (epithelium) of the bladder. Damage to the epithelium allows toxins in the urine to irritate the bladder wall

It is also thought that autoimmune reaction, heredity, infection and allergy may play a role in the development of interstitial cystitis.

---

The symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary from person to person If you have interstitial cystitis, your symptoms may vary from time to time Exacerbations can be caused by frequent triggers, such as menstruation, prolonged sitting, stress, exercise, and sexual activity.

Signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis are:

• Pelvic pain and pain between the vagina and anus in women and between the scrotum and anus in men (interstitial pain)
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Constant, strong urge to urinate
• Frequent urination, often small amounts, during the day and night People with acute interstitial cystitis may urinate 60 times a day
• Pain or discomfort when filling the bladder, and relief when emptying
• Pain during intercourse

The severity of symptoms of interstitial cystitis is variable and there may be periods when symptoms disappear.

Symptoms of interstitial cystitis can be similar to symptoms of chronic urinary tract infection, however in interstitial cystitis no bacterial cultures are found in the urine. Symptoms may worsen if a person with interstitial cystitis develops a urinary tract infection

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if you have chronic bladder pain or a constant need to urinate