Information About Interstitial Cystitis

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to information about interstitial cystitis including topics such as living with interstitial cystitis, diagnosing interstitial cystitis, and is interstitial cystitis transmitted?. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Information About Interstitial Cystitis

As this eMedTV page explains, the bladder condition known as IC (interstitial cystitis) is characterized by pain and discomfort in the bladder and surrounding pelvic area. This article lists other symptoms and discusses the various treatment options.

This eMedTV resource explains why interstitial cystitis is not transmitted. Rather, the bladder condition may be caused by an autoimmune disease, genetics, or irritating substances in the urine.

Common symptoms of interstitial cystitis include bladder pain and an urgent, frequent need to urinate. This eMedTV article lists other common symptoms and explains how other conditions can share these symptoms, making proper diagnosis vital.

A cystoscopy done under anesthesia is the primary test used when diagnosing interstitial cystitis. This eMedTV page describes how doctors go about diagnosing the condition and lists disorders that share similar symptoms, which doctors must rule out.

As this eMedTV page explains, interstitial cystitis treatment often includes medications, bladder distention, or bladder instillation. This segment also lists self-help strategies, such as diet changes, that can help minimize symptoms of the condition.

This eMedTV article describes various surgical techniques used for treating interstitial cystitis. Surgery outcomes are unpredictable; therefore, this should be considered only if pain is disabling and all other treatment options have failed.

As this eMedTV article explains, people living with interstitial cystitis are often encouraged to seek therapy for help in coping with the condition. Other coping tools include instruction in relaxation techniques and support groups