Although both men and women are known to have the disease, it is far more prevalent in women. The disease cannot be accurately diagnosed without a procedure called a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy involves distending the patient s bladder to full capacity in order to get a clear image. A diagnosis is made when the presence of Hunners Ulcers denotes the presence of Interstitial Cystitis. This procedure is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.
Many patients express euphoric symptoms over simply being diagnosed.
An intern at New England Medical Center confirms that this kind of reaction is typical. There are a few options for attempting to relieve the symptoms of IC, although there is as of yet no cure. It doesn t work in all cases, but if effective the relief can last up to six months. A procedure of a bleach-like chemical called Chlorpactin is surgically instilled, in an attempt to burn the remaining bladder lining. The hope is to trick the immune system into action, and generate a re-growth of new bladder lining tissue.