Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder wall and its cause is not yet fully understood. Current theory suggests Interstitial Cystitis is the result of changes or leaks in the protective lining of the bladder, the Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer. These leaks allow chemicals, toxins and other harmful elements in urine to irritate the bladder wall.

Once established Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic disease, which can persist throughout life. Interstitial Cystitis is characterised by patients (mostly women) suffering pelvic/bladder pain, urgency and frequency of urination. Long-term inflammation can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, decreased bladder capacity, glomerulations (pinpoint bleeding) and in rare cases, ulcers in the bladder lining. Although the symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis may be difficult to cope with, the condition is not life threatening. Effective Interstitial Cystitis treatments such as Uracyst®, allow many patients to manage their symptoms successfully.