Interstitial cystitis is a chronic syndrome that is characterized by the classic symptoms of bladder pain, nocturia, and frequency that last several months. Different hypotheses exist about the etiology and pathogenesis. Since there is no pathognomonic marker, diagnosis of interstitial cystitis is a combination of typical patient history and exclusion of differential diagnoses. Cystoscopy and biopsies are not specific; however, they can provide useful information on extent and aid in treatment choice. Interstitial cystitis is more common than previously thought and is often diagnosed only when pain, frequency, and urgency become continuous and severe. Physicians should keep the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis in mind for all patients presenting with pelvic pain or urinary symptoms. Negative urine cultures are characteristic of interstitial cystitis.

Interstitial cystitis symptom
Interstitial cystitis symptom problems include excessive urgency and frequency of urination, and chronic pelvic pain. A common interstitial cystitis symptom is suprapubic pain which is basically pain above the pubic bone where the bladder is located. Many women have the interstitial cystitis symptom of dyspareunia which is pain during intercourse. Interstitial cystitis occurs primarily in females including adolescents and its diagnosis is still one of exclusion. It is now recognized as a serious medical condition associated with significant disability.

Intravesical chondroitin may relieve interstitial cystitis
The results of a small study suggest that intravesical chondroitin sulphate is a safe and effective treatment for some patients with interstitial cystitis. Chondroitin sulphate is a glycosaminoglycan that makes up a mucus layer of the bladder. Dr. J. Curtis Nickel, from Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada assessed the outcomes of 53 patients who received intravesical infusions of chondroitin, weekly for 6 weeks and then monthly for 16 weeks. The subjects had moderately severe interstitial cystitis for an average of 9 years. By 24 weeks the response rate was 60%. BJU Int 2009;103:56-60.

Interstitial cystitis: bladder pain and beyond.
Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2008 Dec; Theoharides TC, Whitmore K, Stanford E, Moldwin R, O'Leary MP. Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Experimental Therapeutics 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
The aim of this paper was to review the pathogenesis and treatment of interstitial cystitis with emphasis on new pathogenetic trends and therapeutic modalities. About 713 mostly original papers were reviewed in Medline from 1990 to August. 2008. Increasing evidence of co-morbid diseases, neurogenic inflammation and the effect of stress are promising as new targets for pathophysiology. No new effective treatments have emerged. Oral pentosanpolysulfate, amitriptyline, hydroxyzine and quercetin, as well as intravesical heparin / bicarbonate / lidocaine solutions, are still used with variable success. Interstitial cystitis contributes substantially to chronic pelvic pain and to poor quality of life. Oral or intravesical administration of solutions containing sodium hyaluronate, chondroitin sulfate and quercetin to both reduce bladder inflammation and 'replenish' the glycosaminoglycan layer should be tried.

Interstitial cystitis natural supplements
As the article above suggests, it may be worthwhile to try chondroitin sulfate and quercetin supplements. Try them alone one at a time for 2 to 4 weeks and then combine them. If you notice any benefits or side effects, please contact me so I inform others who read this page.

Cystitis Prevention
Drink plenty of fluids, especially after intercourse.

Natural Cystitis Prevention or Treatment
Cranberry herbal extract has been studied, along with cranberry juice, for cystitis prevention.
Eyebright herb, see Eyebright for more information regarding this supplement.
D-Mannose nutrient
Uva Ursi herb or bearberry

Medical Cystitis Treatment
Antibiotic therapy for 3 days is similar to prolonged therapy in achieving symptomatic cure for cystitis, while the prolonged treatment is more effective in obtaining bacteriological cure.

Cystitis symptom
Cystitis symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase cystitis signs may refer to those signs only noticeable by a doctor. These cystitis symptoms include urinary pain, urinary burning, urgency, bladder pain, lower abdominal pain, fever, dark or bloody urine, cloudy or smelly urine. When there is a lot of blood in the urine it is called hemorrhagic cystitis. Chronic cystitis refers to difficult to treat cystitis that returns frequently even when treated with antibiotics. Acute cystitis refers to a sudden onset of cystitis often limited and easily treated with antibiotics.

Intertistial Cystitis emails
Q. Hello Dr. Sahelian, I have interstitial cystitis and i was just wondering why nobody has even try to have a doctor talk about this on a program like Dateline. I would think that it's time that it gets out into the public and many those who do have it and don't know it, after seeing a program on television about it, would then go to their doctor and give them some insight about it. Alot of doctors don't even know what Interstitial Cystitis is. It's a real condition that does give you bladder pain and bladder pressure. It's not something in your head that alot of doctors think and they put you on antidepression pills. I am trying the Ultimate Urinary Cleanse now. My doctor put me on Terazasin, 5 mg. and it worked for about two weeks and now it doesn't help at all. Thank you for taking the time in reading my e-mail Dr. Sahelian. It's good to know your out there helping people with the natural way. I feel it's the best way to.

Q. Do you have any natural products that would help with interstitial cystitis?
   A. Sorry, I have not come across any studies regarding an effective treatment of interstitial cystitis with oral natural supplements. Would chondroitin supplements help taken orally? Perhaps, but I don't know.

Q. I have been reading of the benefits of forskolin and wanted to ask you about its effectiveness in treating interstitial cystitis symptoms. I have had Interstitial cystitis for 9 years and have tried many treatments. Reading about this product sounded hopeful, but the writings say has not been tested as of yet, on humans.
   A. A Medline search in March 2009 using the keywords interstitial cystitis forskolin did not reveal any studies.

I am a retired board certified Family Practice physician who has developed Celiac disease. As part of the disease I have interstitial cystitis which is very painful and limits what I can do. I have found marshmallow root tea, and an old medication urised does give some help along with careful diet.