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What is Interstitial Cystitis?

IC is pain in the bladder and surrounding region. The natural lining of the bladder, known as the epithelium is protected from toxins in the urine by a layer of protein called glycoaminoglycan (GAG). When a person is diagnosed with IC, the protective layer is broken down, and the toxins irritate the bladder wall, resulting in a constantly inflamed and tender bladder.

Symptoms vary from case to case, but commonly include:

Pressure, tenderness or pain in the bladder and pelvic area
Urinary urgency and frequency
Pain with sexual intercourse

Painful bladder syndrome (PBS), along with IC are terms used when the cause of pain is not from infection or the presence of stones. Recently, studies have found a common thread in people with IC - a substance known as antiproliferative factor, or APF, which blocks the normal growth of the cells that line the inside wall of the bladder.

There is currently no cure for IC. Therefore, treatment focuses of relieving the pain, stress, discomfort that comes with IC. There are several types of treatments for IC:

Medications
Biophysical techniques, which are changes in diet, lifestyle, etc.
Surgery

An estimated one million Americans have been diagnosed with IC. Approximately ninety percent are women. Another four to eleven million women may have Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS).

IC symptoms often worsen during menstruation.

IC is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions that may have the same symptoms as IC, but are treatable. These tests include urinalysis, urine culture, cystoscpoy, potassium sensitivity test, distention of the bladder and urine cytology.

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