Interstitial cystitis affects over 700, 000 people in the United States every year. Of these 700,000, over 90% of the people diagnosed with interstitial cystitis are women. Most people who are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis are in their 40’s, but 25% of those diagnosed are under 30 years of age. This number, however, may not be entirely accurate. Recent studies have shown that children, who are not commonly diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, may be more prone to the condition than the statistics indicate.

Interstitial cystitis can be a very painful condition as it is a chronic inflammation of the bladder. People who suffer from interstitial cystitis lack the protective lining that protects the bladder from the toxins that occur naturally in the urine. This lining consists of proteins called gylcoaminooglycan. Once this layer has been broken down by interstitial cystitis, toxins are then free to irritate and inflame the wall of the bladder. Once enflamed, the bladder becomes tender and its ability to store urine is diminished significantly.

The signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis can often be mistaken for other serious conditions. This is one of the leading reasons why interstitial cystitis is often misdiagnosed. Also, the symptoms experienced by sufferers vary from person to person. The majority of people experience chronic pelvic pain, but not everyone with interstitial cystitis has chronic pelvic pain. Women may also experience vulvar and pain during sexual intercourse. Men may experience inflammation of the prostate and painful ejaculation. Both sexes may also experience pain in the perineum.

The most common symptom of interstitial cystitis is painful, frequent, and urgent urination. These symptoms will be intense when the bladder is full and will be lessened as the bladder empties. Some sufferers report urinating nearly 60 times in one day. Other experience persistent pain and report that this pain intensifies as their bladder fills. Yet still others report having to urinate immediately, accompanied by bladder spasms, pain, and pressure. These symptoms can be embarrassing and have a significant impact on your daily life.

Many people struggle to live normal lives after they have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. The side effects of the condition can make traveling difficult and prevent the sufferer from enjoying activities they previously enjoyed. This can cause anxiety, panic, and depression. Many people are plagued by insomnia and cannot sleep an hour without having to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. This results in fatigue. Many people also experience weight fluctuations because of this condition.

While there is no known cure for interstitial cystitis, treatment can help ease the side effects of the condition. If you suspect you may have interstitial cystitis, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. During this discussion, your doctor can decide whether or not to pursue a diagnosis and determine the best course of action for you.