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Interstitial Cystitis FAQs

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Your bladder sends signals to your brain that trigger the urge to urinate. With interstitial cystitis, abnormal nerve signals cause painful bladder symptoms. 

What’s interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis, or bladder pain syndrome, happens when abnormal nerve signals from the bladder cause increased pressure, pain, urgency and frequency. The pain ranges from mild to severe.

Is interstitial cystitis an autoimmune disease?

Yes, and it’s an autoimmune disease that’s more common in women. Although there’s no cure, treatments can improve symptoms.

How do you diagnose interstitial cystitis?

Tools for diagnosing interstitial cystitis include:

  • Biopsy – A tiny tissue sample is taken from the bladder and urethra to test for causes of pain.
  • Bladder diary – You record your daily fluid intake and urine passed.
  • Cystoscopy – A thin tube with a tiny camera is used to view the urethra and bladder lining. Liquid may be injected to measure bladder capacity.
  • Pelvic exam – Your doctor examines your external and internal pelvic organs to look for cystitis signs.
  • Potassium sensitivity test – Water and potassium chloride are placed in the bladder as you rate pain and urgency. Sensitivity to potassium chloride can be a sign of cystitis.
  • Urine cytology – A urine sample is collected, and cells are examined to help rule out cancer.
  • Urine test – You give a urine sample to test for a UTI.

How do you treat interstitial cystitis?

  • Physical therapy – Exercise-based therapy helps relieve pain in the pelvis and pelvic floor.
  • Oral medications – Medications that manage cystitis include:
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen help relieve pain.
    • Some antidepressants relax the bladder and block pain.
    • Antihistamines help reduce urinary urgency, frequency and other symptoms.
    • Pentosan polysulfate sodium protects the bladder from irritation.
  • Nerve stimulation – Mild electrical pulses or implanted wires can target nerves that regulate bladder activity.
  • Bladder distention – Stretching the bladder with water can help increase its capacity.
  • Bladder instillation – Prescription medication can be placed directly in the bladder using a thin, flexible tube (catheter).
  • Surgery – Surgery is considered when other treatments fail and the bladder only holds small urine volumes. Surgeries include:
    • Fulguration – Burning off ulcers caused by interstitial cystitis
    • Resection – Surgical removal of ulcers
    • Augmentation – Increasing the bladder’s capacity with a patch of intestine (rare)

Can interstitial cystitis cause back pain?

Yes, lower back pain is common with interstitial cystitis and may be triggered by nerve pain.

How can you prevent interstitial cystitis?

The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, but you can avoid triggers that cause flareups. For some people, triggers are exercise, sexual activity, constipation, tight clothes or high-acid foods. Since frequent urinating can shrink bladder capacity, try gradually increasing time between intervals.

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