Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition affecting the bladder. With interstitial cystitis there is a defect in the bladder's inner lining allowing toxins to irritate the nerves in the bladder causing discomfort. According to Medline Plus, women are 10 times more likely to experience symptoms of IC. The signs and symptoms of this condition can mimic a urinary tract infection, sometimes leading to an incorrect diagnosis.
Bladder Pain
Interstitial cystitis is painful especially when you urinate. The pain may be chronic or the pain may come and go and varies between mild to extremely painful. The pain may increase as the bladder fills or empties during urination. The bladder may spasm during emptying or filling and you may also feel pressure there. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), women often have increased bladder pain during menstruation. Pain medications, warm baths, ice packs and body positioning may temporarily relieve the pain.
Pelvic Pain
You may experience pain in your pelvic region, between the hips and above the pubic bone as well as the perineum in addition to bladder pain. The perineum is the area between the vagina in women, or the scrotum and the anus in men. The pelvic pain may also become chronic if you have IC.
Painful Sexual Intercourse
If you suffer from IC you may experience pain during sexual intercourse. Women may experience pelvic pain or vaginal pain during intercourse. Men may experience pain in the scrotum or during ejaculation.
Urinary Urgency
You may often feel a constant need to urinate immediately. The sensation may continue, even after you just relieved yourself. The urgency also occurs even when there is only a small amount eliminated during urination.
Urinary Frequency
You may feel the need to urinate more often than normal even with small amounts of urine in your bladder if you have interstitial cystitis. Getting up during the night to urinate frequently is also common. Individuals suffering with IC may urinate up to 60 times daily, states the NKUDIC.
