What is Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a bladder disease that usually consists of multiple symptoms. Most IC patients have recurring pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and urinary frequency (needing to go often) and urgency (feeling a strong need to go).

In the past few years, some researchers have suggested new ways of defining IC and new names. Because there are now so many names for the condition, the MICA will continue to refer to it as “IC” in its publications until we have a definitive, commercial test for interstitial cystitis (IC), how to define it and even what to call it. There are a number of candidate tests being researched now, and when one proves to be reliable and becomes available, it will help pin down what IC really is and what to call it.

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