Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a complex, chronic disorder characterized by an inflamed or irritated bladder wall. It can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, decreased bladder capacity, and glomerulations (pinpoint bleeding). The other names for this condition are:

· painful bladder syndrome
· frequency-urgency-dysuria syndrome Ninety percent of those who have this condition are women. People of any age can be affected with IC, although it is rare in children.

The most common symptoms of IC are given below. But symptoms may differ from person to person. Symptoms may include:

• Frequent urination
• Feeling of pressure, pain, and tenderness around the bladder, pelvis, and perineum (the area between the anus and vagina or anus and scrotum)
• Painful sexual intercourse
• In men, discomfort or pain in the penis and scrotum · in most women, symptoms may worsen around the menstrual cycle Stress does not cause the symptoms but may intensify them. The symptoms of IC may resemble other conditions or medical problems. A doctor should be consulted.

• Urine analysis - laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein.
• Urine culture and cytology
• Cystoscopy (Also called cystourethroscopy.) - an examination in which a scope, a flexible tube and viewing device, is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones
• (Bladder wall) biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
• Laboratory examination of prostate secretions (in men)

Currently, there is no specific way to diagnose IC, or cure this condition. Hence, treatments are primarily focused on relieving symptoms and may include:

• Bladder distension - a procedure aimed at increasing bladder capacity and interfering with pain signals that are being transmitted by the nerve cells in the bladder.
• Bladder instillation (Also called a bladder wash or bath.) - the bladder is filled with a solution that is held for varying periods of time, from a few seconds to 15 minutes, before being drained through a catheter.
• Medication
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) - mild, electric pulses enter the body for minutes to hours two or more times a day either through wires placed on the lower back, or through special devices inserted into the vagina in women or into the rectum in men.
• Bladder training - patient voids at designated times and uses relaxation techniques and distractions to help keep to the schedule. Gradually, the patient tries to lengthen the time between the scheduled voids.
• Surgery

• Diet modification No scientific evidence links diet to IC, but some doctors and patients believe that alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, beverages containing citrus juice and caffeine, and high-acid foods may contribute to bladder inflammation. Thus, eliminating these substances from the diet may help to eliminate some symptoms.
• Smoking Smoking is a major known cause of bladder cancer.
• Exercise Exercise may help relieve symptoms or hasten remission.