Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)

Overview

Interstitial cystitis causes bladder pain and a frequent urge to pee, often without infection on tests.

Symptoms can flare with certain foods, stress, or periods.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Bladder pain
• Bladder pain or pressure with normal urine tests

Less common

• Peeing often
• Pain with sex
• Waking at night to pee

When to get medical care

Causes

Unknown.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women

Diagnosis

Rule out infection.

Treatment

Avoid triggers.

Self-care

• Limit coffee, citrus, spicy foods
• Keep a food and symptom diary
• Try bladder training
• Use heat on the lower belly

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Avoid trigger foods

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a urologist (urinary tract doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Women: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Most people find a mix of treatments that helps.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Would pelvic floor therapy help?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)