The general term cystitis summarises a variety of inflammatory conditions of the urinary bladder. The main characteristics of these diseases are the inability to store urine, which results in a high micturation frequency, urgency, bladder pain, nocturia and incontinence.1

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) range amongst the most common bacterial infections and affect women much more frequently than men.2,3 About 50% of women will have at least one UTI episode requiring antibiotic therapy during their lifetime,2 however, there is a high level of recurrence, and 25%-35% of initial UTI episodes will be followed by a recurrent infection within 3-6 months.2,3

What is Recurrent Bacterial Cystitis?

Recurrent Bacterial Cystitis (RBC) is a condition characterised by repeated episodes of UTIs.4 Recurrent UTIs (RBC) may be linked to a damaged bladder lining. It has been suggested that the more UTIs patients have, the greater the damage to the bladder lining and the lower the probability that treatment can reverse that damage.3

What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a condition resulting in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region. Its cause is unknown, but it is believed to result from a chronic inflammation and degeneration of the bladder wall. It may be more appropriate to call IC “painful bladder syndrome” (PBS).5 IC/PBS has become a significant health problem due to its chronic debilitating character.1

What causes IC/PBS?

It is generally believed that there are several different causes. One, possibility is that UTIs may be at least partly responsible. Certainly IC may resemble a bacterial infection when symptoms first arise but antibiotics have no effect.6

Another suggestion is damage to the protective, waterproof lining of the bladder, possibly from something possibly originating from the urine (sometimes referred to as a “leaky bladder”). If there is such a defect, the bladder wall could absorb irritant substances leading to chronic inflammation, causing pain, frequency and urgency.6

What are the symptoms?

The most prevalent symptoms of IC/PBS include:7

• Frequency of urination
• Urgency of urination
• Suprapubic, pelvic or perineal pain

These symptoms can have a severe impact on the lifestyle and can be costly both to the individual and to society in general.7

Impact:7

• Pain during intercourse
• Being awakened at night by pain
• Travel becomes difficult
• Inability to concentrate
• Insomnia and excessive day time sleepiness
• Depression