Urologists have called for greater awareness of Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as Painful Bladder Syndrome, saying early diagnosis can help patients manage symptoms effectively and significantly improve their quality of life.
Dr Ibrahim Musa, Consultant Urologist at General Hospital, Suleja, told reporters on Sunday in Abuja.
He said many patients with the condition were repeatedly treated for urinary tract infections despite laboratory tests showing no evidence of infection.
According to Musa, Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic bladder disorder characterised by persistent pelvic pain, urinary urgency and frequent urination without any bacterial infection being detected through standard medical tests.
“Early symptoms include frequent urination, sudden urge to urinate, bladder pain that worsens as the bladder fills and eases after urination, pelvic discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse in some patients,” he said.
Musa advised individuals experiencing persistent urinary symptoms despite repeated negative urine tests to seek specialist evaluation from a urologist, rather than continue unnecessary antibiotic use that might delay diagnosis.
He explained that although there is no permanent cure for the condition, symptoms can be managed through lifestyle modifications, bladder training, physiotherapy, medications and other specialist treatment approaches.
Another urologist at Deje Bala Healthcare Hospital, Dr Grace Okeke, said delayed diagnosis often left patients struggling with prolonged pain, anxiety and significant disruption to their normal daily activities.
She urged people to stay hydrated, avoid foods and beverages that trigger symptoms, manage stress effectively and seek prompt medical attention whenever urinary urgency or pelvic pain persists.
Okeke added that early diagnosis improves symptom control, enhances quality of life and reduces the unnecessary use of antibiotics among patients wrongly treated for recurrent urinary infections.
Sharing her experience, 38-year-old Amina Suleiman said she endured severe bladder pain and frequent urination for nearly three years before eventually receiving the correct diagnosis from specialists.
“I was treated several times for infection, but my tests kept coming back negative. The pain affected my sleep, work and family life,” she said.
Suleiman said that after consulting a urologist, adopting dietary changes, attending pelvic floor therapy and following prescribed treatment, her symptoms gradually became manageable.
“I still have occasional flare-ups, but I now understand what triggers them and I can live a normal life,” she said.
The experts encouraged Nigerians experiencing persistent bladder pain, urinary urgency or frequent urination without infection to seek specialist care early for accurate diagnosis, treatment and improved health outcomes.
