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@icnetworkjill IC Awareness Fact 1 – Millions of men, women and children suffer of all ages! This is not a womans disease. #ictok #abuseawareness ♬ original sound – IC Network

Millions Struggle With IC/BPS Symptoms

Interstitial cystitis is a pelvic pain condition that affects millions around the world. In the USA, epidemiological studies suggest that three to eight million women in the USA and one to four million men with IC may have symptoms of interstitial cystitis, as many as one out of every 26 people. Interstitial cystitis has been also been called bladder pain syndrome, painful bladder syndrome, hypersensitive bladder syndrome or urologic chronic pelvic pain.

The names “interstitial cystitis” and “chronic prostatitis” are slowly being phased out throughout the world in favor of “chronic pelvic pain syndrome.” Why? Researchers and clinicians now recognize that urinary symptoms can be caused not only by bladder dysfunction but also by other pelvic conditions, such as: tight pelvic floor muscles, endometriosis, fibroid tumors, tailbone injuries, pelvic congestion syndrome and tarlov cysts.

Symptoms can include urinary frequency, urgency, pressure and pain. Pain as the bladder fills with urine that is relieved after urination, points directly to bladder as a source of the dysfunction, perhaps from Hunner’s lesions, estrogen atrophy (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause), chemo cystitis and chronic bacterial, viral or fungal infection. The diagnostic workup should also assess muscle health and exclude other common conditions.

New guidelines were released in 2022 that have dramatically changed how IC is to be diagnosed and treated in the USA. Many clinicians now use subtyping to identify the underlying cause and find the most effective treatments for a patients unique case of pelvic pain.

Learn more about IC Awareness Month and how you can help at: https://www.icawareness.org

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(Updated 9/1/23- JHO)

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