Font Size
A
A
A


Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis Overview

Inflammation is a protective reaction of the body tissue to irritation, injury, or infection. Inflammation of the bladder is called cystitis. When the inflammation is caused by bacterial infection, it is referred to as bacterial cystitis or just cystitis. Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the bladder when no infection is found. (Other causes of noninfectious inflammation of the bladder are also possible.)

Inflammation of the bladder causes urinary frequency (frequent need to urinate), urgency (urgent need to urinate), pelvic pain, painful urination, incontinence, and nocturia (frequent need to urinate at night).

Long-term inflammation of the bladder in people with IC can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder wall, which causes a decrease in the bladder capacity. Pinpoint areas of bleeding, called glomerulations, may occur in the lining of the bladder wall. IC is believed to be a spectrum of disease initially presenting with mild symptoms and progressing to severe urgency and pelvic pain.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), IC affects about 700,000 people in the United States, and 90% of IC patients are women. It is believed that IC is a much more prevalent disease and that many patients have early forms of IC with a delayed diagnosis. The average age of onset of IC is 40 years.



Next: Interstitial Cystitis Causes »

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Interstitial Cystitis - Describe Your Experience

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with interstitial cystitis.

Anonymously share your comment to help others. Viewer Comments FAQs
See 2 Viewer Comments & Reviews

Submit Your Review


Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Bladder Control Problems?
Have a Life Less Interrupted

Norvartis P&G
Norvartis P&G
Important Safety Information | Prescribing Information
Close

ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:

  • · having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
  • · leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
  • · having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENABLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENABLEX affects you.


Privacy Policy

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Interstitial Cystitis »

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a clinical syndrome characterized by daytime and nighttime urinary frequency, urgency, and pelvic pain of unknown etiology.

Read More on eMedicine »

Featured Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List