Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the bladder. It can be extremely painful, and often leads to UTIs. For people with IC, the constant cycle of pain and infection can be emotionally devastating. It is also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS) or chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). IC is often under-diagnosed because its symptoms are similar to other conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or endometriosis. IC can also be mistaken for a bladder infection because the symptoms can come and go.
The physical symptoms of IC can make it difficult to maintain relationships, both romantic and platonic. The constant need to urinate can make sex painful and unenjoyable, and the fear of having a UTI can make social situations awkward and uncomfortable. The fatigue and brain fog that often accompany IC can make it hard to focus at work or school, and the pain can make it difficult to enjoy hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable.
The psychological impact of IC can be just as debilitating as the physical symptoms. The constant pain and fear of infection can lead to anxiety and depression. The isolation that often accompanies chronic illness can make it hard to connect with others. And the uncertainty of living with a chronic condition can be overwhelming.
Despite the very real impacts on the quality of life with those suffering from IC, it is often dismissed by doctors as a "mystery illness" or "chronic pain syndrome". This is because IC is notoriously difficult to diagnose and there is no one definitive test for it. As a result, many sufferers are left feeling disbelieved and unsupported.
There are a number of reasons why IC might be dismissed by doctors. Firstly, it is a relatively rare condition, affecting around 1-2% of the population. This means that many doctors will never see a case of IC in their career. Secondly, the symptoms of IC can be very similar to other conditions, such as endometriosis or pelvic floor dysfunction. This can make it hard to distinguish IC from other conditions.
Finally, there is no cure for IC and no definitive treatment. This can lead doctors to believe that there is nothing they can do to help patients with IC.
If you think you may have IC, talk to your doctor. The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner you can begin treatment and start feeling better.
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