About IC
Interstitial cystitis (in-ter-stish-uhl
sĭ-stī'tĭs), or as we call
it, IC, is a condition that consists of recurring pelvic pain, pressure, or
discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, often associated with urinary
frequency (needing to go often) and urgency
(feeling a strong need to go).
The
Interstitial
Cystitis Association (ICA) advocates for
research dedicated to discovery of a
cure and better
treatments, raises
awareness, and serves as a central hub for
the
healthcare providers, researchers and millions of patients who suffer with
constant urinary urgency and frequency and extreme bladder pain called IC, or
interstitial cystitis.
Interstitial
Cystitis is a chronic bladder condition affecting 4 to 12 million people in the
US. We often say that interstitial cystitis is as hard to say as it is to live
with. Trouble
saying interstitial cystitis? It is also
called IC, painful bladder syndrome (PBS), bladder pain syndrome (BPS), and
chronic pelvic pain (CPP).
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis (IC) remains a mystery, but researchers have identified a number of different factors that may contribute to the development of the condition.
Learn
about the symptoms of IC and how IC patients may present with varied symptoms.
IC
is difficult to diagnosis and the diagnosis can easily be missed. Get an
overview of the diagnostic procedures used by healthcare providers when
diagnosing IC. Find out about potential wrong diagnoses and related
conditions. Read about promising noninvasive,
urine tests!
There
is no cure for IC, but there are effective treatments for controlling many of
the symptoms of IC. A combination of therapies is recommended for most
patients. Here’s information about diet and other lifestyle techniques,
physical therapy, medicines, neurostimulation, and complementary and
alternative treatments. .
Pregnancy
and special considerations for pelvic exams are just some of the issues
associated with IC that are unique to women.
Yes, men also get IC!
Read about the elements of this condition that are unique to men.
Many IC patients
recall having symptoms during childhood. Although similar to adults in the way
IC presents in the body, not all treatments carry over from adults to children.
Learn more about treatments for children with IC.
La cistitis intersticial, o CI, como
nosotros la denominamos, es una dolencia que consiste en dolor pélvico
recurrente, presión o incomodidad en la vejiga y región pélvica, y que
frecuentemente está asociada con la frecuencia urinaria y la urgencia.
IC information
in Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), German, French,
Italian, and Japanese.
Published studies and patient reports reveal that
other chronic conditions occur more frequently in IC patients than in the
general population including autoimmune diseases, rheumatic disorders, and
neurologic conditions.
An
awareness event is a great way to help other understand more about IC. You’ll
find ideas about how to get involved, facts about IC, epidemiology and other statistics,
and links to other resources. Get involved! Help everyone Dare to be ICAware!
Revised November 29, 2010