Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome, is a term used to describe painful bladder and pelvic symptoms not attributable to any known cause, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). IC is characterized by bladder irritation, scarring and stiffness, is much more common in women than in men, and affects between 700,000 and 1.2 million women in the U.S.
Urinary Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic and NKUDIC, urinary urgency and frequency are classic symptoms of interstitial cystitis, with some women needing to urinate as many as 60 times a day. Frequent urination in the night, called nocturia, is also a symptom of IC. Despite frequent urges to urinate, urine output can be scanty. Frequency and urgency symptoms may make a woman think she has a urinary tract infection, but the urine sample contains no bacteria. Incontinence, or inability to hold in urine, may also occur, according to the Merck Manual.
Although the bladder may be normal sized, it feels like it holds only a small amount of urine, which contributes to frequent urination. This feeling that the bladder won't hold much urine may be caused by the stiffness of the bladder walls, which don't expand well to accommodate more urine, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of interstitial cystitis, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Pain may also occur between the vagina and the anus in women, and between the scrotum and anus in men, or above the pubic bone, according to the Mayo Clinic. Tenderness or pressure may be felt. Pain can be intense and may worsen with a full bladder, improving when the bladder is empty, according to the AAFP. Pain may also worsen the week before a menstrual period begins.
Painful Intercourse
Interstitial cystitis can cause pain during intercourse for both men and women, with men feeling pain during ejaculation. Women may also complain of pain after intercourse.
