Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) – The UTI That Never Goes Away

Dear BVTalks,
For the past year, I’ve had what feels like nonstop bladder infections. Burning when I pee, pressure in my pelvis, needing to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes. But every time I get tested, it’s negative. My doctor keeps saying it’s just stress or maybe I’m too sensitive. I’m starting to think I’m going crazy. Could it be something else?
— Tired of Peeing, 35

If your bladder feels like it’s on fire but your tests say “normal,” you’re not imagining things. This could be interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome.

Common signs:
Urgency—like you always have to go
Burning or discomfort when you pee
Pelvic pressure or pain that flares during your period or after sex
No infection on your urine cultures

What can help:
Pelvic floor physical therap, —especially if your muscles are always tight
Bladder-friendly diet—avoiding triggers like coffee, alcohol, spicy food
Medications to calm the bladder lining or nerves
Bladder instillations—special treatments done in a urologist’s office

And you deserve a provider who listens and doesn’t just say “It’s all in your head.” Ask for a referral to a urologist who specializes in IC.

You are not overreacting, and you deserve relief.

BVTalks