Interstitial Cystitis (IC): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Home Blog Interstitial Cystitis (IC): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Created At: Jan 03, 2025 Updated At: Sep 29, 2025
Author: Dr. Garima Biswas
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Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), is a chronic illness that causes bladder pain, urgency, and frequency. Both men and women can get IC/BPS, but middle-aged women are more likely. Effective management requires knowledge and early action because the illness greatly affects quality of life.

What is Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Bladder Pain Syndrome?

Chronic bladder disorder Interstitial Cystitis or Bladder Pain Syndrome has no known aetiology. Its traits are:

1. Chronic bladder and pelvic pain.

2. Urinating frequently and urgently without a UTI.

IC/BPS is a chronic pain syndrome with varying severity. It typically coexists with IBS and fibromyalgia, complicating diagnosis and therapy.

Symptoms of IC/BPS

IC/BPS symptoms vary, but frequent ones include:

1. Chronic bladder or pelvic pain.

2. High urine urgency and frequency with tiny volumes.

3. Physical discomfort during sexual engagement.

4. Menstrual, stress, and food/drink flare-ups.

From minor discomfort to terrible agony, IC/BPS symptoms vary by person.

Causes and Risk Factors

The cause of IC/BPS is uncertain, although various variables may contribute:

1. Bladder Lining Inflammation: Damage can cause pain and irritation.

2. Bladder nerve dysfunction: Abnormal pain signals.

3. Autoimmune Responses: The immune system attacks healthy bladder tissue.

4. Genetic Predisposition: IC or chronic pain inheritance.

Risk Factors

1. Being Female: Due to anatomy, hormones, or immune system changes, women are diagnosed with IC more often than males.

2. Chronic Pain History: Fibromyalgia and IBS share chronic pain pathways, increasing risk.

3. Age Group (Commonly Diagnosed in Middle Age): IC is often diagnosed in individuals during their 30s to 50s, though it can affect people of all ages, with unclear reasons for this age correlation.

Diagnosis of IC/BPS

Isolating IC/BPS from urinary tract infections and bladder cancer requires ruling out comparable illnesses. Some methods:

1. Symptom Analysis: Detailed symptom analysis and medical history.

2. Urine Tests: To exclude infections and blood in urine.

3. Cystoscopy: Screening for bladder problems via cystoscopy.

4. Bladder Distension: Stretching the bladder to find sensitive spots.

A thorough evaluation is needed due to overlapping symptoms with different illnesses, making diagnosis difficult.

Treatment Options for IC/BPS

I. Lifestyle and Diet Changes

1. Diet changes: Avoiding coffee, alcohol, and spicy meals.

2. Hydration: Drinking enough water to dilute pee.

II. Medications

1. Pain Relievers: NSAIDs for pain control.

2. Bladder-protecting Medications: Pentosan polysulfate sodium restores bladder lining.

3. Antidepressants or antihistamines: For pain or urgency.

III. Physical Therapy

1. Pelvic floor muscle relaxation: Exercises to relieve tension and enhance bladder function.

2. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy reduces pain and improves movement.

IV. Bladder Instillation and Hydrodistention

1. Instillation Therapy: Lidocaine or heparin instillation into the bladder.

2. Hydrodistension: Anesthesia-induced bladder stretching to relieve symptoms.

V. Surgical Interventions

Surgical options for severe patients include:

1. Bladder Augmentation: Augmenting the bladder to relieve discomfort.

2. Extreme cases: bladder removal and urinary reservoir construction.

Managing Life with IC/BPS

Live with IC/BPS demands complex treatment:

1. Stress Management: Controlling stress with mindfulness, yoga, or meditation helps lessen symptoms.

2. Support Systems: Family, friends, and support groups provide emotional and practical support.

3. Symptom Management: Heat packs, portable urinals, and food tracking apps can help manage symptoms.

Recent Research and Advancements

Research is underway to better understand and treat IC/BPS:

1. New Medication: New Pain and Inflammation Drugs.

2. Innovative Therapies: Innovative Therapies: Gene therapy and neuromodulation.

3. Telemedicine: Virtual specialist consultations improve access.

Conclusion

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) is a complicated ailment that can lower quality of life. Early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and lifestyle changes help many individuals recover and regain control. See a doctor if you have IC/BPS symptoms. Research continues to improve management and treatment options.