Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis in the Bladder

Interstitial Cystitis, or IC, is a painful bladder condition that causes hardening of the bladder, decreased urine capacity and (at times) ulcers on the lining of the bladder. It is a chronic condition and only its symptoms are treated.

Statistics

• It has been shown that over 700,000 people in the United States have IC. Women have a ten times greater risk of having it than men and it usually is seen between the ages of 30 and 40. The severity of the condition can be mild or severely debilitating, depending on the person and the progression of the condition. Little is known about the causes of IC. It could be genetics or a substance found in the urine that could be blocking the growth of bladder cells. Science is still trying to determine the cause, and the cure, for this condition.

Symptoms

• There are varying signs of having interstitial cystitis. There can be inflammation and irritation of the bladder or pain and pressure in the pelvic area. Pain can be especially worsened during menstruation. There can be painful sex for women with IC as well.

Urinary Problems

• There is usually urinary urgency (having to go right away) and frequency (having to go many times a day). There can be pain upon urinating or the pain can be relieved by urinating. Pelvic pressure and the feeling of "having to go" when you don't need to can be a sign of IC or UTI, only a doctor can tell you which it is.

Tests

• Tests to rule out STDs, kidney disease and cancer are done first. Then you may be subjected to urine cultures, biopsies or a test called a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy looks inside the bladder to see the lining and if there are any disturbances.

Treatments

• There can be overactive bladder medications given to relieve urgency. Medications like antianxiety and antidepressants are used to help in chronic pain. There is bladder distention to help increase volume. Bladder instillations, or a bladder wash, can bath the lining in numbing agents. Other things such as yoga, stress fighters, TENS units and surgery can be helpful.