Interstitial cystitis, also called Painful Bladder Syndrome, is a condition caused by chronic inflammation of the bladder lining.

Interstitial cystitis patients have symptoms resembling a urinary tract infection, but do not have bacteria in their urine. This condition affects one million Americans, mostly women in their 30s and 40s.

Interstitial Cystisis Symptoms

• Increased need to urinate (in severe cases, up to 60 times per day)
• Increased urgency in urination
• Pressure and pain in the pubic area
• Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse
• Chronic pelvic pain

Symptoms may flare up during a women’s menstrual period, in times of stress or after sexual intercourse. The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown.

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