Interstitial Cystitis/ Bladder Pain Syndrome
What is Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)?
Interstitial Cystitis/ Bladder Pain Syndrome is a condition with symptoms including recurring pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort to the urinary bladder and pelvic region, often associated with urinary tract symptoms including frequency (needing to go often) and urgency (a strong feeling of needing to go).
More than 12 million people in the US have Interstitial Cystitis. It occurs more commonly in women (3-7%).
Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome is commonly misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Many women will suffer for years with symptoms beginning before age 30 in most, however a diagnosis is often not made until age 40.
A full history, physical examination, review of symptoms and laboratory examination is required to diagnose Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. This assists in excluding other disorders.
A flare is when symptoms may become severe. This may last for hours, days, weeks or longer and then disappear or linger. This could be incited by certain foods, drinks, stressors, or menstrual periods.