Interstitial cystitis is a chronic or recurring clinical syndrome characterised by pelvic pain and urinary frequency, urgency, pain during urination and frequent passing of urine at night. It could also give a sense of incomplete emptying of the bladder without any identifiable cause.
Some patients could present with lower abdominal pain when the bladder is full, or even without any related urological symptoms
Many sites could be involved with the pain including the groin, lower back, urethra, vagina, and inner thighs. Pain during and after intercourse could also be a common symptom.
In most if not all cases, there is no microscopic or culture evidence of urinary tract infection on repeated urine examinations.
The picture is further confounded by the fact that symptoms might get worse during or before menstruation.
The exact cause is not known, but occasionally patients give history of pelvic surgery, trauma or recurrent urinary tract infections.
Specialist consultation is necessary to reach an early diagnosis and facilitate recovery.
