What Is It?

Interstitial cystitis is a puzzling bladder condition, in which the bladder wall becomes irritated or inflamed, causing pain and frequent or painful urination.

The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are often similar to the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. However, in interstitial cystitis, there is no infection, and the symptoms do not respond to antibiotic treatment. The exact cause of interstitial cystitis remains a mystery, although researchers continue to investigate possible causes, such as unidentified bacteria, an allergic or immune system reaction, a toxic substance in the urine, or a neurological problem in the bladder wall. There also is some evidence that interstitial cystitis may not be just one illness, but several illnesses that share similar symptoms.

It is estimated that more than 700,000 people in the United States have interstitial cystitis, usually between the ages of 20 and 50. Approximately 90% of people with interstitial cystitis are women. It is unknown why interstitial cystitis is more common in women. The disease is not known to be genetic (inherited) or caused by toxins in the environment.

Symptoms

Interstitial cystitis may cause:

• Frequent urination

• An intense urge to urinate

• Awakening from sleep to pass urine

• A burning sensation during urination

• Pain, pressure or tenderness in the area of the bladder - midline, below the navel or in some other portion of the pelvis

• Increasing discomfort as the bladder fills

• Pain during sexual intercourse

• In men, pain or discomfort in the penis and scrotum

• In women, worsening symptoms during menstrual periods