Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/interstitialcystitis.html

Interstitial Cystitis

Also called: Bladder pain syndrome, IC, Painful bladder syndrome, PBS
On this page

Learn More

See, Play and Learn

  • No links available

Summary

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that causes discomfort or pain in the bladder and a need to urinate frequently and urgently. It is far more common in women than in men. The symptoms vary from person to person. Some people may have pain without urgency or frequency. Others have urgency and frequency without pain. Women's symptoms often get worse during their periods. They may also have pain with sexual intercourse.

The cause of IC isn't known. There is no one test to tell if you have it. Doctors often run tests to rule out other possible causes of symptoms. There is no cure for IC, but treatments can help most people feel better. They include:

  • Distending, or inflating, the bladder
  • Bathing the inside of the bladder with a drug solution
  • Oral medicines
  • Electrical nerve stimulation
  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Bladder training
  • In rare cases, surgery

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Start Here

Symptoms

Diagnosis and Tests

Treatments and Therapies

Living With

Clinical Trials

Reference Desk

Women

  • Bladder Pain (Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health) Also in Spanish

Patient Handouts

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.