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Toledo, OH
A 49-year-old female asked:

Does interstitial cystitis of the bladder cause a lot of uti's ?

2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeff Livingston
Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience
No: Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall. It causes urinary tract infection symptoms but it does not cause infections. It is distinctly different from a UTI in that it is not caused by a bacterial infection. That is part of what makes it ahrd to treat.
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Dr. Craig Robison
Internal Medicine 12 years experience
No: Interstitial cystitis is different from a urinary tract infection (uti), although the symptoms can be very similar. A UTI is caused by either a bacterial or fungal infection. These are usually treated with antibiotics or antifungals. Interstitial cystitis is in the spectrum of a pain syndrome. In fact, in order to diagnose interstitial cystitis, you need to first make sure there is not a uti.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Jun 10, 2014

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