Bladder pain syndrome

Interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is recurring pain in the bladder and surrounding pelvic region. The symptoms vary, but include mild discomfort, pressure, tenderness, or even intense pain. Sufferers may feel an urgent or frequent need to urinate. The pain may change in intensity as the bladder fills with urine or as it empties. Women's symptoms often get worse during menstruation. Women can feel pain during vaginal intercourse

The bladder wall can become irritated, scarred and stiff. Because of frequent urination, the bladder does not regularly go from full to empty, properly flushing out bacteria and fungi. This makes it more prone to infection. However, the cause of IC is not infection. Many people, particularly women, who suffer from IC also have irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia. IC may be a bladder manifestation of a more general condition that causes inflammation in various organs and parts of the body

Because of the variety of symptoms and severity, a number of terms have been used to describe the condition, including bladder pain syndrome (BPS) and painful bladder syndrome (PBS)

Warning: infection, urinary stones and other causes can result in IC-like symptoms