Urology

Urological Conditions

Interstitial Cystitis

Types of Interstitial Cystitis

In the past, interstitial cystitis (IC) cases were mainly classified as ulcerative IC or non-ulcerative IC. In ulcerative IC, ulcers, known as Hunner’s patches, form on the bladder wall. The vast majority of cases (90% or more) are non-ulcerative.

Today many experts think this classification system may not be useful. (Ulcerative IC and non-ulcerative IC may, in fact, be two separate diseases.) Another reason is that the presence or absence of ulcers doesn’t necessarily affect treatment options. Other factors, such as bladder capacity, may be more important in determining treatment. In fact, it may be more useful to classify IC cases according to the type of treatment that proves effective.

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