Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic, and often severe, inflammation of the bladder wall. The cause is unknown. Interstitial cystitis affects both men and women, but is more common in women. Women are often misdiagnosed with bacterial infections or chronic pelvic pain while men are often misdiagnosed with prostatitis, epididymitis, or bladder outlet obstruction.

Patients with a history of migraines, fibromyalgia, and allergies seem to be more prone to IC. The condition may start with mild or intermittent symptoms in teenage or young adult years. Without treatment, it can progress to unrelenting pain and urinary frequency. Early treatment is often much more effective than if treatment is started in later stages of the condition.

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