Interstitial Cystitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Interstitial Cystitis?
A urologist, a doctor who treats bladder and urinary problems, usually treats interstitial cystitis. A physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor problems may also be part of your care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis, or IC, is a long-term problem in which pain, pressure, or burning is present in the bladder. It is also called painful bladder syndrome. It is often linked with needing to urinate often or in a hurry.
The bladder is a hollow organ that stores urine. When it fills, it sends a signal to your brain, telling the muscles to squeeze. Normally these signals are not painful. With IC, the signals from the bladder are painful, even when the bladder is not full.
Symptoms
IC symptoms are different from person to person. They may be mild or severe and can change over time. Common symptoms include:
- Bladder pressure or discomfort, from mild to severe.
- Pain in the bladder that gets worse until you urinate and then eases for a little while.
- A need to urinate often.
- Burning pain in the pelvic area.
- Pain during sex.
Symptoms come and go. Even if your symptoms go away, they may return after days, weeks, months, or even years. Many people who have long-term IC may also have other conditions, such as other chronic pain syndromes, anxiety, or depression.
Causes and who gets it
Researchers are not sure exactly what causes IC. Certain things may trigger a flare, which is a time when symptoms get worse. These triggers include:
- Certain foods and drinks, skipping meals, or not drinking enough liquids.
- A urinary tract infection or holding urine for too long.
- Items that may cause irritation, such as laundry detergent, pool chemicals, toilet paper, and tight clothing.
- Stress and menstruation, which affect your hormones.
The condition most often occurs between ages 20 and 40, although it has been reported in younger people. Women are 10 times more likely to have IC than men.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will look for other causes of your symptoms. These include:
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- Bladder cancer.
- Bladder infections.
- Kidney or ureteral stones.
Urine tests look for infection or cells that suggest cancer inside the bladder. During a cystoscopy, the provider uses a special tube with a small camera on the end to look inside your bladder. A small sample of the bladder lining, called a biopsy, may be taken. Other tests may show how well your bladder fills and how well it empties.
Treatment
There is no cure for IC. Treatment is based on trial and error until you find relief. Your care plan may include lifestyle changes, bladder training, physical therapy, medicines, neuromodulators (electric nerve stimulators), bladder procedures, or surgery.
Some people find that changing their diet helps control symptoms. Keeping a food journal can help you find which foods or drinks to avoid. Foods that may irritate the bladder include caffeine, chocolate, carbonated drinks, citrus drinks, and spicy or acidic foods. Quitting smoking can reduce irritation to your bladder. Walking or gentle stretching may help relieve symptoms.
Bladder training can help your bladder hold more urine and help you go to the bathroom less often. A physical therapist can help you stretch tight pelvic floor muscles and keep them relaxed. If you have IC symptoms, you should avoid pelvic floor strengthening exercises, such as Kegel exercises, unless you are working with a physical therapist.
For mild bladder pain, health care professionals may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers. They may prescribe other medicines if simpler steps do not relieve your symptoms. All medicines, even over-the-counter medicines, may cause side effects. Always talk with your health care professional before taking any medicines or supplements.
Bladder instillation, also called a bladder wash, may help relieve IC symptoms. A health care professional guides a catheter into your bladder and slowly adds a liquid medicine. Bladder stretching, also called hydrodistention, may increase how much liquid your bladder can hold. Stretching may relieve bladder pain for a short time.
People rarely need surgery to treat IC. These surgeries have a lot of risks and do not always cure the pain from IC.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of IC. Be sure to mention that you suspect this disorder. It is not always easily recognized or diagnosed.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can look for other causes of your symptoms, such as bladder infections.
Common questions
Is there a cure for interstitial cystitis?
No, there is no cure for IC. Some people respond well to simple treatments and dietary changes.
What can make interstitial cystitis flare up?
Several things can trigger a flare, including certain foods and drinks, stress, and menstruation. Holding urine for too long can also trigger one.
Who gets interstitial cystitis?
Women are far more likely than men to get interstitial cystitis. It most often occurs between ages 20 and 40.
Is interstitial cystitis the same as a bladder infection?
No, doctors look for a bladder infection as a separate cause of your symptoms. IC is often confused with having repeated urinary tract infections.
Will I need surgery for interstitial cystitis?
Most people will not. People rarely need surgery to treat IC.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Interstitial cystitis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Symptoms & Causes of Interstitial Cystitis
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
