How To Tell The Difference Between an IC Flare and a UTI (Interstitial Cystitis Network)

What makes having interstitial cystitis frustrating is that it does often feel like a bladder infection, especially those episodic flares. Many patients mistakenly assume that they are having repeated bladder infections for years, often treating them with antibiotics. Yet, with IC, no infection is found. ICN President Jill Osborne discusses the difference between the two and some good resources that you can use at home to help figure it out.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• interstitial cystitis
• IC
• ICN
• painful
• bladder
• syndrome
• bladder pain
• infection
• UTI
• antibiotic
• frequency
• urgency
• pressure
• pain

[lfm1960]

I have chronic yeast infections and vaginal burning off and on for 10 years. My gyn tells me I possibly have bladder infection and has given me prescription for antiobotic for cystitis of bladder. To me, this doesn't seem at all what my problem is, what do you think?

[icnjill]

There are all sorts of funky nerve pathways there... vaginal burning is often a symptom of a pelvic floor spasm. Ultimately, it depends upon the culture results. Did you test positive for infection of any type?? If so, then he may be right.

[icnjill]

Well, a ph strip can help determine if your urine is overly acidic or basic, thus help you potentially target symptoms. I.E. if your urine is overly acidic, then something that could reduce acid (i.e. TUMs, Prelief, etc) might be worth trying. The caffeine test strip is to use to test the food your eating to make sure that it really is caffeine free.

[BoringFamily]

These videos about IC are so helpful, thanks for putting them out there!

[frodobaggins115]

i've been having symptoms for a while and been tested serveral times over the last few months for uti's and all of the tests came back negative. hmm...