Painful Bladder Syndromes

Painful bladder syndromes are often mistaken for recurrent urinary tract infections. The symptoms can include pelvic pain, urgency, bladder overactivity or pain, and urinary frequency and nocturia. Many painful bladder syndromes can be divided into three categories based on the clinical course. Painful bladder syndromes include the diagnoses of interstitial cystitis (IC) and urethral syndrome.

Cystoscopy is an important part of the evaluation for patients where painful bladder syndromes are suspected. This type of examination will often reveal inflammation and abnormalities in the lining of the bladder, and also helps rule-out other causes of the symptoms. The conclusive cause for painful bladder syndromes is unknown therefore, there is no known cure. Several treatment modalities, including diet and medications, are available to potentially reduce symptoms and cause remission.

The symptoms that accompany urethral syndrome are irritative and include: urinary frequency, urgency and burning, suprapubic pain, and a slow urinary stream. Because these symptoms are so common with other urinary problems, other possibilities must be eliminated.