There’s a lot in common between interstitial cystitis and endometriosis. Both are common causes of pelvic or abdominal pain – IC in about 5% of the population and endometriosis in about 10% of women. They are both commonly underdiagnosed, with studies showing that most women with endo struggle for a true diagnosis for almost a decade. It’s a common misconception that if pain worsens around your period, it must be endo. That’s certainly a possibility and something to look into, but many patients with IC who don’t have endometriosis notice their symptoms fluctuate during their cycle.
Our Viewpoint
We understand the concomitant presence of endometriosis and interstitial cystitis. We also embrace the theory that Inflammation from endometriosis disease can be associated with multiple other disease processes within the pelvis, including interstitial cystitis. The data supporting both disease processes are compelling, especially when compared with the incidence rate of interstitial cystitis in the general population. At the Endometriosis Treatment Center of America, we recommend a comprehensive evaluation for interstitial cystitis so we can identify this condition in advance and treat both endometriosis and interstitial cystitis to restore a better quality of life.
Relevance
If a patient exhibits any urinary symptoms and has underlying symptomatology or a previous diagnosis of endometriosis, be completely evaluated for the presence of interstitial cystitis. Unfortunately, a missed diagnosis of interstitial cystitis can result in continued chronic pelvic pain despite adequate treatment of endometriosis. This is a reason for a complete evaluation to treat chronic pelvic pain.
