What are the symptoms of interstitial cystitis?

Symptoms of interstitial cystitis include pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort and the need to urinate urgently or frequently. Blood may occasionally be present in the urine. Over time, the bladder may not be able to hold as much urine.

Common symptoms of interstitial cystitis

Symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary. If you have interstitial cystitis, you may experience some or all of these symptoms:

  • Bloody or pink-colored urine (hematuria)
  • Difficult or painful urination, or burning with urination (dysuria)
  • Frequent urination that often produces only a small amount of urine
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort
  • Urgent need to urinate

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, symptoms of interstitial cystitis can accompany a serious or potentially-life threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:

  • High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Inability to urinate
  • Severe pelvic pain
INTRODUCTION

What is interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is inflammation of the bladder wall unrelated to infection. With this condition you may feel pelvic pressure, discomfort or pain, and you may need to go to the bathroom frequently or urgently. For some, the symptoms are constant; for others, the symptoms come and go.... Read more about interstitial cystitis introduction

CAUSES

What causes interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is inflammation of the bladder wall unrelated to infection. While the cause is not known, some experts think that an abnormality of the bladder lining or a decreased production of protective substances allows urine to irritate the bladder wall, leading to inflammation. Others suggest that it might be related to abnormalities of the immune system or to an increase in the number of cells that release chemicals related to inflammatory responses. Overactivity of nerve cells of the bladder may also play a role.... Read more about interstitial cystitis causes

TREATMENTS

How is interstitial cystitis treated?

Although there is no cure, many people who have interstitial cystitis are able to find relief. Unfortunately, no single treatment seems to be universally effective, so finding the best treatment for you may involve a process of trial and error. Dietary changes or medications help some people. Others find relief with bladder training, physical therapy, or surgery.... Read more about interstitial cystitis treatments

Medical Reviewer: All content has been reviewed by board-certified physicians under the direction of Rich Klasco, M.D., FACEP. Last Annual Review Date: May 2, 2011 Copyright: © Copyright 2011 Health Grades, Inc. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or reprinted without permission from Health Grades, Inc. Use of this information is governed by the HealthGrades User Agreement.

This Article is Filed Under: Kidneys and the Urinary System


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