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Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS)

Interstitial cystitis (IC) , also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), is a chronic bladder condition resulting in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder or surrounding pelvic region. The symptoms vary from case to case and may even change often in the same individual. People may experience mild discomfort, pressure, tenderness or intense pain. Symptoms may include an urgent and/or frequent need to urinate. Pain may change in intensity as the bladder fills with urine or as it empties. People with IC/PBS usually have inflamed or irritated tissue of the bladder walls, which can cause scarring and stiffening of the bladder.

IC/PBS is far more common in women than men. The condition generally occurs around age 30 to 40. Epidemiologic research conducted in 2006 by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that up to 12 percent of women may have early symptoms of IC/PBS.

Enigma of Interstitial Cystitis

The cause of IC/PBS is unknown and there is no known cure. Some of the symptoms of IC/PBS resemble those of bacterial infection, as in a urinary tract infection (UTI), but medical tests reveal no organisms in the urine of people with IC/PBS. Furthermore, people with IC/PBS do not respond to antibiotic therapy. Many women with IC/PBS have other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Researchers believe IC/PBS may be a bladder manifestation of a more general condition that causes inflammation in various organs and parts of the body. In some cases they believe IC/PBS may be hereditary or diet-related.

Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

  • Abdominal or pelvic tenderness or mild discomfort
  • Frequent urination
  • A feeling of urgency to urinate day and night
  • Feeling of abdominal or pelvic pressure
  • Intense pain in the bladder or pelvic region
  • Severe lower abdominal pain that intensifies as the urinary bladder fills or empties
  • Women's symptoms often get worse during menstruation
  • Women may sometimes experience pain during vaginal intercourse
  • Men may experience pain in scrotum, testicles or penis
  • Men may experience erectile dysfunction

Testing for Interstitial Cystitis

The diagnosis of IC/PBS is usually based on tests that help rule out such other conditions as bladder infections, stones and cancer.

  • PUF questionnaire
  • Urinalysis
  • Urine culture
  • Cystoscopy
  • Bladder biopsy
  • Distention of the bladder

Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis

  • Diet modification (less-acidic foods)
  • Behavior modification (quit smoking)
  • Physical therapy
  • Oral medications (Elmiron is the only drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for oral treatment of IC/PBS.)
  • Biofeedback
  • Neuromodulation (nerve stimulation)
  • Hydrodistention
  • Bladder instillation (intravesical instillation) of medication

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Bladder Health Program of South Florida website should be used solely for educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a healthcare provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications. Always ask your physician about all treatment options, as well as the risks and benefits.

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