I have been having symptoms of a urinary tract infection, but urine analysis is negative. I understand that interstitial cystitis is a possibility. Can you give me any information on this condition? What can I do to relieve the pain?

-- Charlene

Interstitial cystitis is by no means fully understood. It occurs predominantly in women, causing bladder pain, urinary frequency, urgency (a sensation of having to urinate RIGHT NOW), and lower pelvic pain and pressure. All of these symptoms may mimic a bladder infection. Usually a diagnosis is made by persistence of symptoms and lack of an infection on urine culture; the doctor may then perform a cystoscopy (a procedure to look inside the bladder with a telescope-like instrument).

Treatment of interstitial cystitis includes relaxation techniques, medication, distention of the bladder via cystoscopy or instillation of DMSO into the bladder. An antidepressant called amitriptyline (Elavil) in low doses can be very effective. A new medication called Elmiron has fairly recently been approved by the FDA for use in interstitial cystitis. A urologist is the doctor best equipped to diagnose and treat interstitial cystitis and other bladder problems.