Interstitial cystitis is a urological condition affecting the bladder. Symptoms include bladder pain or discomfort and a frequent need to void. The bladder may become stiff and some patients develop bladder ulcers. Interstitial cystitis, also called IC or painful bladder syndrome, affects more than 1 million people in the U.S. most of whom are women, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Clearinghouse. There are several theories about what causes interstitial cystitis.
Defective Bladder Lining
Interstitial cystitis may be caused by a defect in the lining of the bladder, explains MayoClinic.com. The lining is made of epithelial tissue, a membrane that covers many of the internal organs. A small tear or ulceration of this protective lining can possibly cause a pain or burning sensation, leading to the urge to urinate frequently.
Genetics
Some experts point to possible genetic factors as the root cause of some cases of interstitial cystitis. Research has found that it sometimes affects two female family members but this is uncommon, explains the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases information Clearinghouse.
Neurological Condition
The Interstitial Cystitits Association explains that nerve inflammation may trigger interstitial cystitis. The pelvic nerves are responsible for relaying the need to urinate and inflammation or hypersensitivity of these nerves can cause the message to be sent too frequently. This leads to the unnecessary, frequent voiding of a small amount of urine.
Physical Trauma
Physical trauma to the bladder may trigger the onset of this painful condition. This includes surgery on the bladder or that inadvertently affects the bladder. Catheter use or allowing to bladder to become overly full may also cause this kind of bladder trauma. In some cases, it may be due to repeated or severe untreated bladder infections.
Auto-immune Factors
Auto-immune factors may possibly trigger interstitial cystitis. One reason for this theory is the fact that many sufferers also have a disorder such as fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome that is thought to be an auto-immune condition. Similarly, MayoClinic.com indicates that allergy has been hypothesized as being a factor in this disorder.
