interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC), IC is a bladder syndrome found mostly in women that can result in a severe, debilitating, and chronic disorder. In the United States, IC affects approximately 500,000 persons of which the majority are women. Persons with IC have a bladder wall that is tender and easily irritated, which leads to uncomfortable symptoms. Women with IC complain of severe urinary urgency, frequent urination, lower abdominal or perineal pain and pressure, painful sexual intercourse, and, in many cases, urinary incontinence. IC begins gradually and becomes progressively worse. Symptoms may go away for a period of time (remission), but usually return.
Many persons with IC, especially women, are misdiagnosed. Women with chronic IC and severe nocturia may experience depression due to sleep deprivation. Many doctors believe that IC has psychosomatic origins and tell women patients, “It’s all in your head.” This is not true. The exact cause of IC is not universally understood, but includes a variety of causes such as chronic infection of the bladder, lymphatic disease, autoimmune disorders (self-attacking disease where the body turns on itself), and even psychologic and neurologic conditions.
Evaluating Your IC
You should see an urologist who may be able to help you with your problem. Diagnosing IC requires the doctor to take a complete history followed by a bladder cystoscopy. A biopsy of the bladder as well as a gynecologic pelvic examination may also be useful.
See also: Tips on How to Manage Interstitial Cystitis
top of pageReferences
Erickson, DR. Interstitial Cystitis: Update on Etiologies and Therapeutic Options. Journal of Women’s Health & Gender Based Medicine 1996; 8(6):745-758.
Sant, GR. Interstitial Cystitis a urogynecologic perspective Contemporary Ob/Gyn. 1998:2-7.
Webster, DC; Brennan, T. Self-care Strategies Used for Acute Attack of Interstitial Cystitis. Urologic Nursing 1995; 15(3):86-93.
Last updated: October 2007
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