Painful Bladder Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis)

What is painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis)?

Painful bladder syndrome, also called interstitial cystitis or IC, is a chronic condition of pain and discomfort in the urinary tract.

The cause is unknown. It may be an autoimmune disorder and is often found with fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, or vulvodynia (pain in the outer female organs). Some researchers feel the condition may be linked to a history of abuse.

IC is more common in women than in men, but can happen to anyone.

Symptoms

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Bladder pain and spasms
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Treatment

There is no single cure, so treatment is a stepwise holistic plan that involves lifestyle changes, pelvic floor therapy, addressing the symptoms with medication, and even surgery.