How do i know if my interstitial cystitis is flaring up or if i am getting a uti? i was just recently diagnosed with ic, and don't have much experience managing it beyond using a bladder friendly diet.

Urgency cystitis: The symptoms of UTI and "interstitial cystitis" are similar, but the "IC" symptoms are more frequent, and not based on active infection, but a more sensitive and muscular bladder wall, which can produce some incontinence also. At 24, it is unusual to have acquired "IC", so perhaps it is chronic urethritis, which can be treated favorably by urethral dilation: see a female urologist for advice.

Not easy: But once a pattern has been established, you will know what is bothering you. If you are not prone to bladder infection and cystoscopy showed that you had IC, one would assume that IC is your issue or vice versa. Do note that the presence of one condition does not exclude the other.