| BY THE NUMBERS |
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this pain are lower urinary tract symptoms which have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes. The true cause of IC/BPS is not known.
90%
of patients with IC are women
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9163/by_the_numbers_graphic_14.480_0_1.png)
10%
are men
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9169/by_the_numbers_graphic_20.960_0_1.png)
The actual percentage for men may be higher as IC in men may be misdiagnosed as prostate problems such as BPH or chronic prostatitis.
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9164/by_the_numbers_graphic_15.240_0_1.png)
Most people with IC are diagnosed during their
but symptoms may start in childhood or as a teen, and may be mislabeled as urinary tract infections.
Individuals can try to stop the return of symptoms by doing 3 things:
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9165/by_the_numbers_graphic_16.128_0_1.png)
Stay on their medical treatments even after they feel better
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9166/by_the_numbers_graphic_17.128_0_1.png)
Avoid foods that may irritate the bladder
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9167/by_the_numbers_graphic_18.128_0_1.png)
Avoid certain activities or stresses that may make IC/BPS worse
1-4
MILLION MEN
have symptoms of IC/BPS.
3-8
MILLION WOMEN
have symptoms of IC/BPS.
Up to
12%
of women may have early symptoms of IC.
There is no cure for IC, but there are
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9168/by_the_numbers_graphic_19.480_0_1.png)
Lifestyle changes
Bladder training
Physical therapy
Medications
Bladder procedures
In severe cases of IC, some may need to urinate up to
60
times a day
The average person urinates no more than
7
TIMES A DAY
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9162/by_the_numbers___iStock_610956000_crop.960_0_1.jpg)
September is Interstitial Cystitis Awareness Mo
nthIC/BPS is often
2-3
times more common in women than in men.
Most people with IC/BPS find that certain foods make their symptoms worse.
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9170/by_the_numbers_graphic_21.480_0_1.png)
Chocolate | Citrus fruits
Tomatoes | Coffee
![](/urologyhealth/fall2017/by_the_numbers2/9161/by_the_numbers___dont_eat_these_foods.400_0_1.png)
UrologyHealth.org | FALL 2017 | UROLOGYHEALTH extra