What is Bladder Pain Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis): Causes and Treatments?

Bladder pain can be extremely discomforting and concerning, and it can be difficult to know the exact cause and nature of the discomfort. There could be several potential causes of bladder pain, including UTI, bladder infection and others. In this article, we’ll help you to understand bladder pain syndrome (BPS), also known as interstitial cystitis (IC), including what symptoms look like, what treatments can help you to manage the pain and the relationship this condition has with incontinence. 

Bladder pain syndrome (Interstitial cystitis) is a condition resulting in bladder pain and pressure. It is also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome, Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) and Chronic Bacterial Cystitis.  

The condition tends to affect people mostly in their 30s and 40s and is more common in women than men. Although it isn’t always clear what causes the condition, it can have a significant impact on your lifestyle, and can be a cause for incontinence as well as other issues.   

Bladder pain syndrome has a complex relationship with incontinence. One of the potential signs of are symptoms such as frequent and urgent urination. The pain and pressure associated with a full bladder may create a sense of urgency that can feel difficult to control. It’s crucial to highlight that many individuals with BPS experience varying degrees of incontinence, whether it's stress incontinence (leakage during physical activity or sudden pressure) or urge incontinence (a sudden, intense urge to urinate). 

If you are being affected by symptoms like this, TENA offers a range of products specifically designed to provide comfort and confidence, allowing you to manage incontinence discreetly, helping you get on with enjoying life. We also have a product selector to help you find the perfect solution for your needs. 

The most common symptom experienced with BPS is pain below the belly button. The pain tends to be accompanied by frequent, sudden and uncontrollable urges to use the toilet, occasionally leading to incontinence issues.  

You may also notice you’re using the toilet more than normal, often waking up and going during the night too. These urges may be frequent and sometimes lead to incontinence.   

As well as experiencing pain, people with interstitial cystitis can suffer with urinary tract symptoms, lasting longer than 6 weeks. Quite often the cause of the infection can be difficult to understand, and it can take a long time for people to realise that they may be suffering from interstitial cystitis.  

Although some people will experience painful bladder syndrome symptoms frequently, others may only have them sporadically – it will differ from person to person. 

Interstitial Cystitis and Bleeding 

Bleeding is not a typical symptom of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. However, some people may experience symptoms similar to those of urinary tract infections, including pain and possibly hematuria (blood in the urine), but this is usually due to bladder irritation. 

If someone with interstitial cystitis or any individual experiencing bladder issues notices blood in their urine, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation promptly, as this could indicate other underlying conditions that require attention, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or other medical conditions. 

In male interstitial cystitis, bladder pain can be felt, and is mostly experienced in the scrotum, testicles and/or penis. Interstitial cystitis pain generally worsens when there is increased bladder pressure (i.e. your bladder is full), however short-term relief may come after emptying the bladder.  

The pain associated with interstitial cystitis in women is typically felt within the pelvic area, just below the belly button, although some women report pain in their vulva. Women may also notice that this pain is heightened when on their period and occasionally during sex.  

If you are suffering from any kind of incontinence, try our incontinence pads and pants for protection from leaks and to keep yourself clean and dry. This can reduce the risk of infection and help you keep control when urine leakage occurs. There are a wide variety of options for both men and women so definitely take a look at our full range of incontinence products for women.

Interstitial cystitis causes are difficult to determine using the tests currently available, and this can be quite frustrating for those suffering with the condition. Difficulties in diagnosing interstitial cystitis is part of why the condition is so difficult to treat. There are several theories as to what may cause the condition, including:  

• Chronic Bacterial Infection of the bladder's lining  

• The immune system attacking the bladder 

• Inflammation causing the body to release chemicals, leading to interstitial cystitis symptoms 

• Something within the urine causing irritation  

• Sensitivity of the bladder tissue causing urine to irritate it 

• A separate condition causing inflammation leading to irritation of the bladder 

Getting an interstitial cystitis diagnosis can take time so it is important to see a doctor and begin the process as soon as possible. When visiting your GP, they will perform a series of tests to rule out any other underlying conditions, before giving you their diagnosis. They may also ask you to start a bladder diary. Your doctor will be able to give you advice on how to tackle your interstitial cystitis symptoms and tailor this advice to you specifically. You can also use TENA products to keep you dry and protected from leaks while you await diagnosis and treatment.  

Is Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis a UTI? 

UTIs are another common issue affecting the urinary tract and bladder and may have some symptoms in common with interstitial cystitis. There is a small but growing body of evidence that interstitial cystitis is likely to be a chronic bacterial infection of the bladder’s lining. The best way to diagnose most UTIs is via urine culture, in which a small amount of urine is transferred to an environment in which bacteria can grow, be identified and their susceptibility to antibiotics be tested.   

Unfortunately, with bladder pain syndrome urine culture tends to be negative because bacteria aren’t present in large numbers, as they are not shed into urine from the bladder’s lining. Likewise, antibiotics may not be effective. Healthcare practitioners and scientists are working to develop better tests and treatments but medical understanding of UTIs is far clearer than interstitial cystitis, and doctors can diagnose and treat UTIs far more easily.  

Read our page on UTIs for more information about this specific condition. You can also find more specific info on UTIs in Men and UTIs in Women.  

<< Back to articles