Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder Pain Syndrome)

What is interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome, is a condition that causes chronic pelvic pain and pressure, along with a frequent need to urinate. To be diagnosed with the condition, your symptoms must last for more than six weeks and have no clear cause, such as an infection.

Interstitial cystitis can be mild or severe, and your symptoms may come and go over time. It can also occur with other conditions that can cause discomfort, such as irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Interstitial cystitis can greatly affect the quality of your life, but there are treatment options available for you to find the relief you need.

Bladder Pain Syndrome patient outside on a walk

Interstitial cystitis symptoms

Interstitial cystitis can cause a range of symptoms that may go away for a while and return. Symptoms include:

A frequent need to urinate (up to 60 times a day when the condition is severe)
Pain in the lower abdomen, urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder out the body) or vagina
Painful sex (dyspareunia)
Pressure in the pelvic area
An urgent need to urinate

These symptoms can get worse after doing certain exercises or eating certain foods.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your provider if you experience pelvic pain that doesn’t go away or goes away and comes back. Changes in your urination habits, especially those that affect your daily life, are also cause for visiting your provider.

What causes interstitial cystitis?

The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown but may involve multiple factors, such as a defect in the bladder's protective lining, which allows irritants to affect the bladder wall. Other possible but unproven factors include autoimmune reactions, genetics, infections or allergies.

Bladder Pain Syndrome patient enjoying quiet time on the couch

Painful bladder syndrome risk factors

The following factors may contribute to the development of the condition.

Sex: Women are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis more often than men. Men’s symptoms may mimic interstitial cystitis but are often related to prostatitis.
Age: Most diagnoses occur in people aged 30 or older.
Allergic reaction: Mast cells in the bladder may trigger allergic reactions, causing symptoms.
Autoimmune diseases: Interstitial cystitis may result from the immune system attacking the bladder, mistaking it for a harmful invader.
Bladder wall damage: Damage to bladder tissue can lead to irritation from substances in urine, weakening the wall and causing ulcers.
Other conditions: Interstitial cystitis may be linked to other chronic pain disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia.

How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?

Interstitial cystitis can cause symptoms that resemble those of other conditions, such as urinary tract infections, bladder cancer, diabetes and nerve problems. Your provider will perform an exam and order tests to rule out other conditions.

Medical history and physical exam

Your healthcare provider may ask you to describe your symptoms and keep a bladder diary, noting fluid intake and urine output. During a pelvic exam, they will check your pelvic organs and floor muscles for signs of dysfunction and muscle spasms that might contribute to bladder pain.

Interstitial cystitis treatment

There is no cure for interstitial cystitis, but lifestyle changes and medications can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your provider may need to try a few different treatments before finding the one that works best for you.

Lifestyle changes

Management of interstitial cystitis may also include:

Diet changes: Dietary changes can help people with interstitial cystitis manage symptoms, as certain foods and beverages could trigger symptoms. Avoid trigger foods like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, soda, spicy foods and tomatoes.
Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
Exercise: Regular physical activity may help alleviate symptoms.
Reducing stress: Stress can worsen symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Practicing relaxation and coping techniques or talking to a counselor can help you manage stress and reduce pain and other symptoms.

Find specialized care for interstitial cystitis

You can find relief from interstitial cystitis and bladder pain with help from a Baylor Scott & White women’s health provider. We help you get care at a location that fits your needs and offer several locations, including specialized women’s health centers in North and Central Texas.

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

What is interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis symptoms

When to see a doctor

What causes interstitial cystitis?

Painful bladder syndrome risk factors

How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?

Medical history and physical exam

Interstitial cystitis treatment

Lifestyle changes

Find specialized care for interstitial cystitis

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