Interstitial cystitis affects both genders, though 9 out of 10 cases are found in women. Up to 75% of those affected are over the age of 30. It's also found in a growing number of children.
Interstitial cystitis is caused by inflammation of the bladder lining. It is also known as painful bladder syndrome, chronic pelvic pain syndrome and frequency-urgency-dysuria syndrome.
Normally, the bladder wall has a lining that protects it from toxins in the urine. In people with interstitial cystitis, this protective layer breaks down, allowing toxins to irritate the bladder wall. The bladder then becomes inflamed and tender and does not store urine properly.
Please note: the information below does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns at all, speak to your GP or consultant.
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If you are worried about your urinary symptoms, download the My WaterWorks Medical app and fill in the questionnaire which can be presented to your GP.
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Interstitial cystitis is different from common cystitis, which is an inflammation of the bladder caused by bacterial infection and is usually easily treated with antibiotics. No-one really knows what causes interstitial cystitis and it does not respond to antibiotics. Although there is no cure for interstitial cystitis, most patients find some relief with treatment and lifestyle changes.
Interstitial cystitis is difficult to diagnose. Sufferers sometimes see several doctors over the course of a few years before a diagnosis is made. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis are present all of the time and can include any of the following:
Symptoms usually worsen over the first 5 years and then level off. After this, you may have periods when symptoms lessen, followed by bad times, where the symptoms flare up.
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The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are similar to those of many other conditions, so tests need to rule these out.
A doctor will first take a urine sample and check for bacteria and signs of infection. In men, fluid from the prostate may also be taken for examination. If there are no signs of infection, your GP may refer you to a urologist for further tests, starting with:
Less commonly, ulcers and scars are found on the bladder lining. A biopsy, in which a tiny piece of the ulcer is removed and analysed, is carried out to make sure that the ulcers are not cancer-related.
Cystoscopy may also show up bladder stones, which can cause symptoms similar to those of interstitial cystitis.
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There is no cure for interstitial cystitis. The main aim of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Sometimes a combination of treatments works best. Most patients find some relief from the symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
Surgery is typically performed only when other treatments do not work. However, it isn't always effective and may even make the symptoms worse.
Speak to your GP if you're worried about any symptoms or the treatment of interstitial cystitis. You can also find other useful websites via our links section.
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