What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition characterized by pelvic pain, urinary frequency, urgency, and sexual dysfunction. Interstitial cystitis impacts almost all aspects of your life, education including professional, and personal, and can be an overwhelming experience.

Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

Both men and women can get IC, although it occurs mostly in women.  People with IC can have symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection, but without an infection (1).  Often, there is painful, frequent, urgent, inhibited, or incomplete urination.    Sometimes there may be blood in the urine.  There may be a dull feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen and bladder.   The pain in the bladder can be intense or dull, and sometimes it is located in the pelvis, or on the pelvic floor.

These symptoms can resemble many different conditions.  It is important to see a urologist to get a complete exam to rule out other illnesses.

Causes of Interstitial Cystitis

The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is not entirely understood and probably has many factors.  Although it is not known to be caused by a urinary tract infection, many women who develop interstitial cystitis have recently been treated with antibiotics for this (1).   Some women will have bladder inflammation, but most do not.  Some people with interstitial cystitis have bladder ulcers.

Many women with IC have tightness and sensitivity in the pelvic floor, which may be a factor in the condition.   Emotional stress is also an important factor.  Stress is often a cause of the onset of the condition.  It is possible that stress causes muscles to become tight and spasm, which leads to a cycle of inflammation and pain.

Acupuncture for Interstitial Cystitis

Acupuncture can help to reduce the symptoms of interstitial cystitis by decreasing inflammation, relieving pain, and muscle spasm.  In my next post I will write more about acupuncture’s approach to interstitial cystitis treatment.

Interstitial Cystitis Resources

• National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
• Interstitial Cystitis Association
• Interstitial Cystitis Network

1. Genitourinary Pain and Inflammation: Diagnosis and Management . Ed. J.M. Potts. Humana Press. NJ