Interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (commonly abbreviated to "IC") is a urinary bladder disease of unknown cause characterised by pelvic pain, urinary frequency (as often as every 30 minutes), pain with sexual intercourse, and often pain with urination.
It is more common in women (20 : 1) than in men. The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, though several theories have been advanced (these include autoimmune, neutitic, allergic). The theory garnering the most current support is that of the missing bladder lining. Normally, the bladder has an inner mucous lining. When this lining goes missing (for unknown reasons), urinary chemicals can "leach" into surrounding tissues causing pain and urinary symptoms.
Often the symptoms of IC are misdiagnoised as a "common" bladder infection (Cystitis), however unlike Cystitis, IC has not been conclusively proven to be a bacterical infection and the mis-prescribed treatment of antibiotics to combat "common" cystitis could further harm the already sensitive/damaged bladder lining.
Treatment is oriented toward replacing the presumed missing lining with medication, avoidance of bladder irritants such as dietary spices and alcohol, stress reduction, and pain management.
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