Associated Conditions

Interstitial cystitis (IC) patients can also have other chronic conditions. Research shows that allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, and sensitive skin are three conditions that commonly overlap with IC. A number of other health conditions affect varying numbers of IC patients:

  • Individuals with allergies, migraine headaches, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or sensitive skin may have a greater chance of developing IC. And, some studies have reported that IC patients are as much as 100 times more likely than the general population to have irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Vulvodynia, a syndrome marked by various painful vulvovaginal symptoms, is the fourth most common IC-related condition. It is thought that a common defect in the bladder and the vaginal tissues may contribute to both conditions.
  • Individuals already suffering from IC may also have a greater chance of developing fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • IC patients have been shown to be 30 times more likely than the general population to have systemic lupus erythematosus.
  • More recent research has revealed that IC may also be connected with certain other chronic conditions, such as panic attacks and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Learn More about Common Related Conditions

 

Click to learn more about these and other related conditions.

Revised Thursday, July 7th, 2016