Question 1

what is interstitial cystitis caused by?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown in GAG: There is a breakdown in the gag layer of the bladder. Gag stands for glucoseaminoglycan and it is a  microscopic layer that is supposed to help with protection of the mucous layer of the bladder. There is a lot of research going into this area and there is a significant connection between interstitial cystitis and endometriosis.  Right now we are managing the symptoms as best we can. No cure yet!

Question 2

please advise what is interstitial cystitis ?

Accepted Answer

InterstitialCystitis: It is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder.  There is no clear cut knowledge of what causes this condition.  Theories have been autoimmune, diet, allergies, inflammatory conditions
Resources:
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/
www.ichelp.org
www.ic-network.com

Question 3

what is interstitial cystitis and can it be treated?

Accepted Answer

There is help for IC: Ic is not well understood, but it is felt to be a chronic, non-infectious, inflammation of the bladder and/or urethra.  It is much more common in women than men.  There is no one treatment that is effective for everyone, but there are effective treatments.  
Please see this blog post for more details:
http://healthhub.Brighamandwomens.Org/tag/urogynecology.

Question 4

hi doctors, can you tell me what is interstitial cystitis?

Accepted Answer

Non-infectious: inflammation of the bladder. The cause is not known and it is a chronic affliction associated with urinary frequency and urgency, and abdominal pain. See this site for more info.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/basics/definition/con-20022439

Question 5

what is interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome?

Accepted Answer

What is IC: Interstitial cystitis ic is a chronic disorder of the lower urinary tract which results in pelvic pain and/or urinary urgency/frequency.  Historically, it has been regarded as a rare problem that is difficult to diagnose and treat.  Recent studies have shown the disease to be much more prevalent than previously thought.

Question 6

what the heck is interstitial cystitis really?

Accepted Answer

IC: It is a condition in the bladder that causes a variety of bladder, urinary symptoms, usually associated with, freq, urgency, pain....No classic test for ic, is a diagnosis of exclusion....Some refer to it as fibromyalgia of the bladder....Not a medical term though....

Question 7

what is the cause of interstitial cystitis?

Accepted Answer

IC cause: There is a lack of a protective coat in the bladder that exposes the nerve fibers in the bladder to the urinary irritants.It seems that there is a deficit in an antiresorptive substance that maintains the integrity of this coat in the bladder tissue.

Question 8

who develops interstitial cystitis?

Accepted Answer

Both men and women: It has a tendency to run in families which suggests a genetic factor. It is diagnosed more commonly in women.

Question 9

interstitial cystitis -- what is it?

Accepted Answer

Bladder inflammation: The bladder has several layers, starting from the lining, through the muscle to the serosa (outer lining). The "interstitium" is between the muscle bundles. An inflammation of this area, results in "cystitis".  It does not mean an infections, but it often is.

Question 10

is interstitial cystitis progressive?

Accepted Answer

Ic: If not treated properly could be progressive.

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What is Interstitial Cystitis

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What is interstitial cystitis caused by?

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Please advise what is interstitial cystitis ?

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What is interstitial cystitis and can it be treated?

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Hi doctors, can you tell me what is interstitial cystitis?

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What is interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome?

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What the heck is interstitial cystitis really?

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What is the cause of interstitial cystitis?

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Who develops interstitial cystitis?

A member asked:

Interstitial cystitis -- what is it?

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Is interstitial cystitis progressive?

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