Many women have heard of a urinary tract infection (UTI), even if they’ve never gotten one themselves. However, many have never heard of interstitial cystitis: a condition commonly confused and even misdiagnosed as a UTI because they share similar symptoms. Here are some of the biggest mistaken facts about interstitial cystitis:
Myth # 1: Interstitial Cystitis and UTIs are the Same Condition
Because interstitial cystitis is a relatively unknown condition, many people conflate these two conditions. However, a UTI is an infection of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. Symptoms of a UTI can include pain in your pelvis, painful sex, changes in your urine (darker color, odor, greater frequency, blood). The difference between a UTI and interstitial cystitis is relatively unknown; Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic pain condition often referred to as Painful Bladder Syndrome. Symptoms of IC include pelvic pain and the need to urinate frequently, especially during the evening. Painful intercourse is also sometimes a symptom. While some of the symptoms may seem similar when evaluating whether the condition is a UTI or interstitial cystitis; however, they are different conditions, and therefore need different treatment.
Myth # 2: Interstitial Cystitis Only Affects Women
While like UTIs, IC is more common in women than men, male people can get IC. This common misconception can make it seem as if the disease is less real, as some people believe it can only affect half the population.
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| Interstitial Cystitis affects the urinary system. Source: medlineplus.gov |
Myth #3: Interstitial Cystitis is an Infection
Unlike a UTI, which interstitial cystitis is often mistaken for, IC is not an infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics. As a chronic pain infection, someone with IC should seek the treatment of a urogynecologist who will prescribe medication, lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and biofeedback to help relieve IC symptoms and improve your quality of life. Your doctor may prescribe a drug like Elmiron to help treat your symptoms.
IC and UTI may seem to be similar conditions on the surface, but their treatment plans are entirely different. It’s important to determine which condition you have so that you can treat it properly. The common misconceptions about what interstitial cystitis is can lead to misdiagnoses and incorrect treatment of your condition, as well as stigma toward a condition. Teaching people the facts about interstitial cystitis is the first step toward getting rid of these fallacies.
