By Kristi Patrice Carter

Every year, 700,000 Americans are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. It is estimated that over one million Americans have interstitial cystitis, but many of those people may not realize that they are suffering from this condition. This inflammation of the bladder can be painful, embarrassing, and inconvenient.

Many people who suffer from interstitial cystitis are embarrassed to discuss their condition with their health care practitioner. As a result, they suffer needlessly and may wait to discuss their concerns with their doctor only when their situation is extreme. Other people have never heard of interstitial cystitis and do not realize that their symptoms are not a normal side effect of the aging process. Also, many people are afraid to discuss their symptoms with their doctor because they fear they may have another, more serious medical condition.

The most common symptoms of interstitial cystitis are pelvic pain and frequent/urgent urination. Most people do report spontaneous pelvic pain. While this pain is most defined during and after sexual intercourse, the pain may also be present throughout the course of a normal day. This unprovoked pelvic pain can be unbearable and unnerving.

Frequent and urgent urination can also present a serious problem. This can cause significant disruption to your day. Some people with interstitial cystitis report having to go to the bathroom 60 times throughout the day. Imagine trying to get through a day at work! Making this situation even more difficult is the urgency. Most people report not having to go the bathroom and then suddenly having to run to the restroom. As you can imagine, this can be very inconvenient and result in embarrassing accidents.

Other symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis are also the symptoms common to urinary tract infections. This is the leading reason why people with interstitial cystitis are often misdiagnosed. These symptoms include painful sexual intercourse, discomfort or pain in the penis and scrotum, diminished bladder capacity, pain or pressure around the bladder, pelvis, and perineum, and increasing pressure as the bladder fills. Again, not every person with interstitial cystitis will report experiencing all of these symptoms. It will vary from person to person.

Women suffer from interstitial cystitis more often than men. In fact, 90% of the people diagnosed with interstitial cystitis are women. This can present a different set of problems. The severity of the symptoms and pain can increase or decrease according to the changes in your body as a result of menstruation. Most women report an increase in their pain and discomfort around the time their monthly cycle is due. As a result, these women will have to take this knowledge into account when planning their daily activity.

The symptoms of interstitial cystitis can be difficult to manage, but there are treatments available that can help alleviate the symptoms so that you can go about your regular activities. If you are concerned about interstitial cystitis, set up an appointment to discuss your concerns with your regular health care practitioner.