In early or very mild cases, frequency is sometimes the only symptom. Some patients experience mild, moderate or severe nighttime frequency, while others may experience no nighttime voiding. The sensation of having to urinate urgently, which may also be accompanied by pain, pressure or spasms. Pain is also frequently associated with sexual intercourse. It appears that IC has an as yet unexplained association with certain other chronic diseases and pain syndromes such as vulvar vestibulitis, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome.
Most IC patients have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis.
These diseases may include bladder cancer, kidney disorders, tuberculosis of the bladder, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis, radiation cystitis and neurological or rheumatologic disorders. Perform a cystoscopy if no infection is present and no other disorder is discovered. Five to 10 percent of IC patients have ulcers on the bladder wall, which are called Hunner's ulcers or patches. Ten percent of IC patients show no cystoscopic signs of pinpoint hemorrhages or ulcers. If distention is performed in the doctor's office, using only local anesthesia, the diagnosis of IC may be missed.