Interstitial Cystitis (IC) (in-tur-STISH-ul sis-TIE-tis) is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain. The condition is a part of a spectrum of diseases known as painful bladder syndrome.
Your bladder is a hollow, muscular organ that stores urine. The bladder expands until it’s full and then signals your brain that it’s time to urinate, communicating through the pelvic nerves. This creates the urge to urinate for most people.
With Interstitial Cystitis, these signals get mixed up — you feel the need to urinate more often and with smaller volumes of urine than most people. Although signs and symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis may resemble those of a chronic urinary tract infection, there’s usually no infection.
There is hope with the right medications, therapies, support system and doctors. Tons of people with Interstitial Cystitis are able to handle the challenges that come with this disease. There will be ups and downs. When you need help, reach out to those who are there for you.
Complications
Interstitial Cystitis can result in a number of complications, including:
- Reduced bladder capacity. Interstitial cystitis can cause stiffening of the bladder wall, which allows your bladder to hold less urine.
- Lower quality of life. Frequent urination and pain may interfere with social activities, work and other activities of daily life.
- Sexual intimacy problems. Frequent urination and pain may strain your personal relationships, and sexual intimacy may suffer.
- Emotional troubles. The chronic pain and interrupted sleep associated with interstitial cystitis may cause emotional stress and can lead to depression.
SOURCES
mayoclinic.org
TREATING INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS 