Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)

Symptoms

The pelvic floor helps control the bladder, bowel, spine, and sex organs.

The symptoms of interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome (PBS) include:

Bladder

feeling like you have to pass urine all the time (this is called urgency)
passing urine more often than normal (this is called frequency)
pain with passing urine
burning when passing urine
pressure in the pelvic region

Bowel (often seen with PBS)

constipation
pain with bowel movements
feeling pressure on the pelvic floor and organs

Sex

pain in the genital area during or after sex

Spine (if you've had symptoms for a long time)

pain in your low back, pelvis, or abdomen (belly)

If you have these symptoms, you may have IC/PBS or problems with your pelvic floor muscle.

Current as of: May 1, 2020

Author: Calgary Pain Program, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)

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