Painful Bladder Syndrome
The bladder is a hollow organ that stores urine. Once the bladder expands to full capacity, it sends a message to the brain through the pelvic nerves that it’s time to urinate. This message produces the urge to use the restroom. When the brain confuses these messages, a condition called interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome, can develop. This is a chronic condition that can cause severe pain and have a major effect on long-term quality of life. Symptoms and Complications Symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary between cases and aren’t always the same over time—they often flare up, sometimes in response to triggers (e.g., stress, exercise, sexual activity or menstruation). Symptoms can include: Pain: Women may feel pain in the pelvis between the vagina and anus, and men may feel pain between the scrotum and the anus. Urges: You’ll notice a frequent need to urinate, even when you’ve done so recently Pain during sex (for women), or during orgasm or after sex (for men) Frequ