Interstitial cystitis (IC) /bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a complicated and chronic medical disorder that mostly affects the urinary bladder, resulting in a variety of unpleasant symptoms of interstitial cystitis in females. This illness is defined by inflammation of the bladder lining, which causes persistent and frequently severe pain, urgency, and urine frequency. Interstitial cystitis remains difficult to identify and treat since the exact reasons are unknown.
Early Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis in Women
The signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis in females differ from person to person. If you have interstitial cystitis, Symptoms might range from moderate to severe and can alter over time, Interstitial cystitis (IC) indications and symptoms include:
- Pain, pressure, or irritation in the lower abdomen and pelvis.
- A constant and urgent need to urinate (with or without pain) before bladder filling.
- Frequent urination, typically in small quantities, during the day and night (up to 60 times daily).
- Pain or discomfort during bladder filling and alleviation after urination.
- Pain during intercourse due to pelvic floor muscle spasms.
Chronic Bladder Pain in Females with Interstitial Cystitis
Chronic pain is a defining sign of symptoms of interstitial cystitis in females, lasting for months or even years. It is typically localized in the bladder and pelvic region, but can also radiate to the lower abdomen, groin, or back. The nature of this pain varies among individuals, but common descriptions include:
- Dull, Aching Pain: can feel like a heaviness or fullness in the pelvis.
- Pressure Sensation: It may feel like the bladder is constantly full, even if it isn’t.
- Burning Pain: especially during or after urination.
- Sharp, stabbing pain might occur sporadically during the day.
- Chronic IC discomfort might worsen over time due to triggers such as stress, diet, or hormonal changes.
Managing Urinary Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
There is no solid evidence that one particular treatment is effective for everyone. You might try a few to find a therapy that works for you.
medication
BPS (interstitial cystitis) patients may take treatment like tablets or capsules. These include:
- pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.
- Nerve pain medications, such as amitriptyline, gabapentin, and pregabalin.
- tolterodine, solifenacin, or mirabegron – they can lower the urgency to urinate.
- a prescription medication that may assist by preventing the action of a chemical called histamine in the bladder.
- pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron) – may relieve pain.
Bladder Instillations
It is a therapy that includes filling the bladder with a solution, leaving it in place for a brief amount of time, and then emptying the solution via a catheter.
These are referred to as intravesical medications. Examples of intravesical medications include:
- Lignocaine, a local anesthetic substances desensitize
- the bladder.
- A combination of steroids, sodium bicarbonate, and heparin is used.
- Hyaluronic acid or chondroitin sulphate may help restore the bladder lining.
- Antibiotics, either alone or in combination with a local anesthetic and steroid, can reduce inflammation and infection.
Supportive therapies
Some people may find the following supporting therapies for treating symptoms of interstitial cystitis in females useful:
- Physiotherapy – A skilled pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you relax your muscles and relieve discomfort.
- Acupuncture can relieve pain and assist in managing symptoms and their impact on daily living.
- “TENS” is a pain-relieving therapy that uses battery-powered tools to send electrical impulses throughout the body.
Reference
- and, D. (2024, December 2). Symptoms & Causes of Interstitial Cystitis. Retrieved from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website.
- Cox, A. (2018). Management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 12(6S3), S157-60.
- Interstitial cystitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from medlineplus.gov website.
- Lim, Y., Leslie, S. W., & O’Rourke, S. (2024). Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. Retrieved from PubMed website.
- NHS Choices. (2019). Interstitial cystitis. Retrieved from NHS website.

Microbiology and Immunology Specialist | Scientific Writer
Lina Mahmoud Ahmed graduated from Cairo University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with a B.Sc. in Veterinary Medical Sciences and a diploma in Microbiology and Immunology. With extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise, Lina is dedicated to delivering accurate and well-researched medical content that simplifies complex information for readers. She can be reached at [email protected].