Interstitial Cystitis is an Urgent Public Health Problem
An estimated three to eight million women and one to four million men in the USA, and millions more around the world, struggle with a rarely discussed pelvic pain condition, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/PBS). Seniors, young parents, teens and children may struggle daily with uncontrollable urinary frequency, urgency and/or debilitating levels of "razor blade" like pain in the pelvic area, particularly as their bladder fills with urine. Sitting, driving, working, attending school and intimacy are difficult if not impossible.
Obtaining a diagnosis and treatment can take years as patients visit five or more doctors, some of whom label the patient as hysterical or overly emotional. Countless women have had inappropriate hysterectomies only to discover, after the fact, that their pain was coming from their bladder. Men and women are often told that they have sexually transmitted diseases though testing comes up negative. Children who suffer from pain may be refused treatment out of the mistaken assumption that "children cannot feel pain." This must stop.
Physicians of all specialties must be educated about this wide-spread and devastating medical condition. Treatments should be affordable. Self-help therapies can be shared, particularly to those patients who cannot afford health care. IC patients should not have to endure shame or blame when seeking help and support, especially from family members and friends.
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