What does pelvic pain feel like with interstitial cystitis?

Pelvic Pain is a common presentation of Interstitial Cystitis. It may feel like pressure, aching, burning or tenderness in the bladder area, pelvis or lower abdomen. For some people, discomfort builds as the bladder fills and eases for a while after urination; for others, it remains present. Pain can flare with urinary urgency or frequent urination and may be felt around the urethra, vagina or lower back.

Interstitial Cystitis is a bladder pain condition in which symptoms can persist without a typical urinary infection. Urgency, frequent urination and discomfort with a full bladder may occur together. Burning with urination, fever, blood in the urine or side pain can point to another problem and should not be assumed to be interstitial cystitis. Pelvic pain by itself does not establish the diagnosis.

Keep a brief bladder and pain diary: note drinks, meals, urination, urgency, pain level and activities around each flare. Drink enough to avoid becoming dehydrated, and avoid making major dietary restrictions without clinical guidance. A clinician may check a urine sample and review medicines, pelvic symptoms and infection history before discussing ways to reduce flares.

Book an assessment when bladder pain, urgency or frequent urination keeps returning or disrupts sleep, work or intimacy. Seek prompt care for fever, chills, vomiting, visible blood in urine, new side or back pain, inability to pass urine or rapidly worsening pain. These signs can indicate infection, obstruction or another condition needing timely treatment.

How will you check for infection or other causes? Should I keep a bladder diary? Could any medicines or drinks be worsening symptoms? What can I try during a flare? Which changes should prompt urgent care?