Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that causes discomfort or pain in the bladder and a need to urinate frequently and urgently. It is far more common in women than in men.
Symptoms
- Pain in the bladder
- Frequent or urgent urination
Diagnosis
Your Ohio State urologist will seek to determine the cause of bladder pain through testing. This might include:
- Urinalysis, an examination of urine that can help determine if an infection is present
- Cryoscopy, looking inside the bladder with a flexible tube inserted through the urethra
Treatment
Treatment can help alleviate symptoms. If the pain is caused by an infection, an antibiotic can be given to fight the infection. Depending on your individual condition, treatment may also include diet or lifestyle changes, bladder retraining or physical therapy.