To spotlight women’s health this summer, read on to learn about today’s topic: interstitial cystitis.
What is interstitial cystitis?
This is a chronic condition that affects the bladder, causing bladder pain and pressure as well as pelvic pain. Such pain can vary by person, ranging from mild to excruciating symptoms. While men can also develop this condition, women are much more frequently diagnosed with it than men. This affects women 2-3 times more than men. Most people are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis in their 30s or older.
Interstitial cystitis causes inflammation and irritation on the walls of the bladder which in turn affects the entire urinary system. The urinary system consists of the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. When the bladder expands to its full capacity, the pelvic nerves signal to the brain that the person needs to urinate to release this liquid, which is why you feel the urge to use the restroom. However, those with signals do not work properly in the urinary system of individuals with interstitial cystitis, causing a person suffering from the condition to feel the need to urinate frequently, even if in small amounts.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
The symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary between each person. Additionally, these symptoms may fluctuate based on triggers in one’s lifestyle such as menstruation, sexual activity, certain exercises, and stress.
Symptoms:
- Women may experience pain between the vagina and anus or in the pelvis
- The persistent urge to urinate
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Frequent urination of only small amounts of urine during both the day and nighttime
- Pain while the bladder is full and relief once urinating
- Symptoms that worsen with a urinary tract infection
If these symptoms are experienced for 6 weeks or longer without any other infection or known cause, it may be an indication of interstitial cystitis.
What are the complications of interstitial cystitis?
One complication is a smaller bladder capacity due to the stiffening of the bladder wall induced by this condition.
From a mental health aspect, struggling with interstitial cystitis can lead to a lower quality of life if the urge to urinate constantly interferes with everyday activities. It can also lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, or hopelessness since it is a chronic condition.
However, it is important to remember that other women also struggle with interstitial cystitis and even if they do not, it shares symptoms with urinary tract infections, meaning that other individuals understand the challenge of some of this pain. It is estimated that around 3 to 8 million women in the United States struggle with this condition.
Sources:
“Interstitial Cystitis Stock Vector Illustration and Royalty Free Interstitial Cystitis Clipart.” 123RF, http://www.123rf.com/clipart-vector/interstitial_cystitis.html. Accessed 7 June 2025.
“Interstitial Cystitis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354357. Accessed 7 June 2025.
“What Is Interstitial Cystitis(Ic)/Bladder Pain Syndrome?” Urology Care Foundation, http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/i/interstitial-cystitis. Accessed 8 June 2025.
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