Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that causes discomfort or pain in the bladder and abdomen. It is far more common in women than in men. The symptoms vary from case to case. Some people have an urgent or frequent need to urinate. Women's symptoms often get worse during their periods. They may also have pain with sexual intercourse.

Many scientists believe IC is actually several diseases. Many use the term painful bladder syndrome (PBS) to describe urinary pain for which they cannot find a cause. There is no one test to tell if you have IC/PBS. Doctors often run tests to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. There is no cure for IC/PBS, but treatments can help most people feel better. They include distending, or inflating, the bladder; bathing the inside of the bladder with a medicine solution; oral medicines and in rare cases, surgery.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Interstitial Cystitis on Wikipedia

'''Interstitial cystitis''' (commonly abbreviated to "IC") is a urinary bladder disease of unknown cause characterised by pelvic and intense bladder pain, urinary frequency (as often as every 10 minutes), pain with sexual intercourse, and often pain with urination. IC affects both men and women of all walks and stages of life, however it is far more common in women. Though rare over 700,000 patients in the United States alone have IC and the overall number worldwide most likely exceeds one million. It is much more common in women (20:1) than in men. The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, though several theories have been put forward (these include autoimmune, neuritic, allergic). The theory garnering the most current support is that of the "missing bladder lining". Normally, the bladder has an inner mucous lining. When this lining becomes damaged (for unknown reasons), urinary chemicals can "leak" into surrounding tissues causing pain and urinary symptoms. Oral medications like Elmiron and medications which are placed directly into the bladder via a catheter such as DMSO work to repair and hopefully rebuild this damaged/wounded lining, allowing for a reduction in symptoms. Often the symptoms of IC are misdiagnosed as a "common" bladder infection (cystitis), however unlike cystitis, IC has not been conclusively proven to be a bacterial infection and the mis-prescribed treatment of antibiotics to combat IC could further harm the already sensitive/damaged bladder lining. Treatment is oriented toward replacing the presumed missing bladder lining with medication, avoidance of bladder irritants such as dietary spices and alcohol, stress reduction, and pain management. Alternative treatments include the use of quercetin and marshmallow root tea to help fight the disease. Many people with IC also develop other medical conditions such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Fibromyalgia, ...   [ Read More ]

External Resources

IC Hope for Interstitial Cystitis - Offers "To Wake in Tears" and "Along the Healing Path."

Green Healing Herbs - Information about their herbal products and an one-week intensive treatment for interstitial cystitis.

The Natural Bladder - Offering herbal remedies and natural products for incontinence, bladder infections, interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder, with related medical information, recipes, and special offers.

Bladder Disorders - An overview of bladder problems, including infections, cancer, atonic bladder, interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder (OAB), and prolapse.

Interstitial Cystitis Association - US - Dedicated to providing patient and physician educational information and programs, patient support, public awareness and, most importantly, research funding.

Urology Channel: Interstitial Cystitis - Find information and resources on this disease of the bladder, including information from leading Urologists.

Interstitial Cystitis Network - Archive of information, including patient materials, a research library, physician resources, support chats, message boards, and live conferences.

Woman's Diagnostic Cyber: Interstitial Cystitis - Disease profile contains incidence, cause, description, differentiating features and treatment.

IC Information Center - Information about this not-for-profit organization as well as about interstitial cystitis.

Is there a Cure for Interstitial Cystitis? - Discussion and links to medical information.

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