What Is Interstitial Cystitis?

 

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). IC may also be known as:

  • Painful bladder syndrome
  • Frequency-urgency-dysuria syndrome

Bladder-Uro

Click Image to Enlarge

 

What causes IC?

The cause of IC is still unknown and patients do not respond to antibiotic medication. Researchers are investigating many theories to understand the causes of IC and to determine appropriate treatments.

Latest Urology News
Annual screening catches prostate cancer early

January 1, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The largest prostate cancer screening program in the history of the United States is showing high compliance and consistent results, researchers report.

Heavy toilet seats can be hazardous to little boys

December 26, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Parents of newly toilet-trained boys should take a few simple steps to keep their sons' penises safe when they go to the bathroom, a team of UK urologists advises.

Surgery improves kidney cancer survival: study

December 25, 2008 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Surgical removal of the kidney -- a procedure known as nephrectomy -- improves survival in patients with locally advanced renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health