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Date of Award

Spring 2023

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Kimberly Erikson, MMS, PA-C

Abstract

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic pain syndrome that significantly impacts the quality of life in diagnosed patients. IC falls under the challenging “diagnosis of exclusion” umbrella, requiring the rule-out of other pathologies for a formal diagnosis. Typically affecting women in their 3rd or 4th decades of life, IC presents with vague pelvic, bladder, abdominal, and/or pelvic floor pain, urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria, with no known etiology and negative urine cultures. Despite initial consideration as a rare condition, IC is believed to be more prevalent than previously thought. Misdiagnosis and mistreatment are common due to the vague and common symptoms of IC, resulting and an average delay of over 10 years from symptom onset to diagnosis. By increasing understanding and knowledge about IC, practitioners can better manage and support patients with this challenging condition.

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Beyond the Bladder: Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic pain syndrome that significantly impacts the quality of life in diagnosed patients. IC falls under the challenging “diagnosis of exclusion” umbrella, requiring the rule-out of other pathologies for a formal diagnosis. Typically affecting women in their 3rd or 4th decades of life, IC presents with vague pelvic, bladder, abdominal, and/or pelvic floor pain, urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria, with no known etiology and negative urine cultures. Despite initial consideration as a rare condition, IC is believed to be more prevalent than previously thought. Misdiagnosis and mistreatment are common due to the vague and common symptoms of IC, resulting and an average delay of over 10 years from symptom onset to diagnosis. By increasing understanding and knowledge about IC, practitioners can better manage and support patients with this challenging condition.