The Interstitial Cystitis Network (ICN) provides support, encouragement and hope to patients throughout the world. A medical publishing company dedicated to IC and it's related conditions, we provide comprehensive patient information, live support on the web, the latest IC research, physician listings, subscriptions, newsletters, guest lectures & much more.

Quick facts:

Who:
Interstitial cystitis affects children, teens, mothers and fathers, college students, young professionals, grandparents and the elderly.

What:
IC patients may experience urinary frequency (up to 60 times a day), urgency, pressure and, for some, severe  intractable pain.

Where:
Interstitial cystitis has no boundaries. It is found in all cultures and nations. It appears to be more common in patients with a northern european heritage.

Why:
The cause of IC remains is still uncertain. The bladder and/or bladder lining (aka GAG layer) shows signs of injury or irritation, including small wounds, broken blood vessels or larger Hunner's Ulcers. IC may be hereditary in some famlies.