DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)
A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. Part of a spectrum of painful bladder syndromes. More common in women. Symptoms often mimic UTI but urine cultures are negative. Cause is unknown but may involve bladder lining defects.
3.3M
111
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Symptom questionnaires (ICSI, ICPI)
- 2Urinalysis and culture (rule out infection)
- 3Cystoscopy with hydrodistension
- 4Potassium sensitivity test
- 5Urodynamic testing
- 6Biopsy (exclude other conditions)
- 7Pelvic examination
Prognosis
Chronic condition with fluctuating course; no cure. Symptoms may improve over time in some patients. 50% experience remission periods. Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Requires long-term management and lifestyle adjustments.
Prevention
- Avoid bladder irritants (caffeine, alcohol, citrus)
- Stress management
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Dietary modifications
- Regular exercise
- Adequate hydration
Research Status
Multimodal approach required. Oral therapies: amitriptyline, pentosan polysulfate (Elmiron), antihistamines, gabapentin. Intravesical therapies: DMSO, heparin, lidocaine. Botox injections. Neuromodulation. Cyclosporine for severe cases. Pain management essential. Emerging therapies targeting nerve growth factor.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/interstitial-cystitis-painful-bladder-syndrome
- https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physicalactivity/index.html
- https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
- https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.