An ongoing condition that causes bladder pressure and pain.

The exact cause of painful bladder syndrome, often called interstitial cystitis, is not known. It involves irritation and redness, called inflammation, of the bladder walls.

Symptoms include bladder and pelvic pain or pressure and a need to urinate often. Pain ranges from mild to severe. There might be pain when the bladder fills and relief after urinating.

There's no simple treatment for painful bladder syndrome. Some types of medicines, physical therapy and procedures such as nerve stimulation may help symptoms.