Interstitial cystitis, also referred to as IC, is a term used to describe a syndrome in which patients either have a chronic urge to urinate or continue to urinate on a frequent basis. The urge to urinate or the urination itself may be accompanied by pain in the pelvic region of the body.
The term "cystitis" refers to an inflammation of the bladder, but inflammation of the bladder can be caused by a number of different diseases, including a bacterial infection. Individuals with interstitial cystitis have symptoms of the syndrome, but doctors cannot find any cause, including bacterial or viral, for their condition.
More than 1 million people in the United States suffer , and most are women. Some of the symptoms of interstitial cystitis are as follows.
Changes in Bladder Capacity
Individuals suffering from interstitial cystitis may find that they no longer have the same bladder capacity as they once had, resulting in a need to urinate more frequently than before. These individuals may not be able to drink as much or wait as long between trips to the bathroom.
Urge to Urinate
Patients suffering from interstitial cystitis report that they constantly feel the urge to urinate, whether they end up urinating or not. This urge continues throughout the day and evening.
Pressure and Pain
Interstitial cystitis often causes sensations of tenderness, pressure, and pain around the bladder. These feelings may be felt anywhere in the pelvis, including near the perineum (the space between the anus and vagina in women, or between the anus and scrotum in men). This pain will increase as the bladder fills and will decrease after the sufferer relieves himself.
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is the term used to describe sexual intercourse that is painful. Women suffering from interstitial cystitis tend to suffer from dyspareunia because of the inflammation of the bladder and tenderness in the pelvic region caused by the syndrome.
Discomfort in the Genitalia
Men who suffer from interstitial cystitis often find they have pain or discomfort in either the scrotum, penis, or both.
Identifying the Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
Individuals interstitial cystitis find that they don't always have symptoms or that their symptoms become worse at certain times. Women, for example, find that their symptoms often become worse when they expect their periods.
While the symptoms can be different each day, individuals who suffer from interstitial cystitis over an extended period will find that their symptoms become progressively worse as time goes on. Interstitial cystitis can be treated with diet modifications and oral medications, so make sure you seek the advice of your health care provider the moment you suspect you have a problem
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