Interstitial Cystitis

Also known as:  IC;  Hunner's Ulcers;  Irritative Bladder Syndrome;  Leaky Bladder Syndrome;  Painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic, non-bacterial Inflammation of the Bladder.

 Interstitial Cystitis is often misdiagnosed, because its symptoms mimic those of other more common types of Urinary System ailments - the only way to accurately diagnose IC is via cytoscopy (examination of the Bladder by means of an instrument inserted via the Urethra) under local or general anaesthetic.

 Standard procedures used to detect other forms of Urinary System ailments do not allow the detection or diagnosis of IC.

 The underlying cause of Interstitial Cystitis is presently unknown - it has been speculated that this ailment may be related to Collagen diseases, may be an Autoimmune Disease or an Allergy;  or may be secondary to an infectious agent not yet identified.