Interstitial cystitis (IC)

Alternative Names

Cystitis - interstitial; IC

Symptoms

• Urinary frequency (up to 60 times a day in severe cases)
• Urinary urgency
• Urinary discomfort
• Pain during intercourse
• Pelvic pain

Exams and Tests

Diagnosis is made by ruling out other causes. Urine analysis, urine culture, and urine cytology tests are essential.

Usually, cystoscopy (endoscopy of bladder) and bladder biopsy are performed. The characteristic finding of interstitial cystitis during cystoscopy is pinpoint bleeding in the lining of the bladder or ulcers on the bladder wall. 

In IC, the bladder does not hold as much urine as a normal bladder typically does.

A procedure called video urodynamics can reveal how much urine needs to be in the bladder before the patient feels the need to urinate.

References

Nickel JC. Interstitial cystitis: a chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Med Clin North Am. 2004; 88(2): 467-81, xii.

Mattox TF. Interstitial cystitis in adolescents and children: a review.  J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2004; 17(1): 7-11.

Metts JF. Interstitial Cystitis: Urgency and Frequency Syndrome. Am Fam Physician. 2001 Oct 1;64(7):1199-206.

Walsh PC. Campbell's Urology. 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2002:631-660.