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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Interstitial cystitis can result in a number of complications, including:

  • Reduced bladder capacity. Interstitial cystitis can lead to a stiffening of the wall of your bladder and reduced bladder capacity, meaning your bladder holds less urine.
  • Lower quality of life. Frequent urination and pain may interfere with social activities, work and other activities of daily life.
  • Relationship troubles. Frequent urination and pain may strain your personal relationships, and sexual intimacy is commonly affected.
  • Emotional troubles. The chronic pain and interrupted sleep associated with interstitial cystitis may cause emotional stress and can lead to depression. Likewise, having depression or anxiety can worsen symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
References
  1. Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
  2. Fitzgerald MP. Patient information: Painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
  3. Hanno PM. Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis and related disorders. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/113536197-2/0/1445/13.html?tocnode=54300277&fromURL=13.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50012-1_840. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
  4. Evans RJ, et al. Current diagnosis of interstitial cystitis: An evolving paradigm. Urology. 2007;69(suppl):64.
  5. Fitzgerald MP. Patient information: Treatment of painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2008.
  6. Moldwin RM, et al. Rational approaches to the treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis. Urology. 2007;69(suppl):73.

DS00497

Jan. 20, 2009

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