Diagnosing interstitial cystitis involves determining the extent of the symptoms and their affect on the patient's life. Part of diagnosis is to rule out other conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, sexually transmitted diseases, bladder cancer, infection and endometriosis.

Your doctor may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose interstitial cystitis.

Pelvic Exam: Your doctor takes a close look at the external genitals and examines the internal pelvic organs to discover any abnormalities.

Urine Analysis: A sample of urine is collected and tested for infection.

Cystoscopy: Using a thin tube equipped with a camera, physicians examine the inside of the urethra and bladder to discover abnormalities.

Biopsy: Performed during a cystoscopy, a small amount of cells are removed and tested to determine the presence of cancer.

Urodynamics: Small catheters are placed in the bladder and rectum to help monitor the bladder’s response to filling and emptying. This allows your doctor to gather objective evidence on how the bladder is functioning.

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