How to Diagnose Interstitial Cystitis

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By Diane Ursu
eHow Contributing Writer

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Interstitial cystitis is a bladder condition that is most common in women. Over 90 percent of interstitial cystitis cases are women. Since interstitial cystitis demonstrates the same symptoms as other conditions, such as bladder infection, the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis is made by ruling out other conditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Assess the symptoms. Interstitial cystitis may be accompanied by pelvic pain, pressure and tenderness. Women may experience pain during vaginal intercourse.
Step 2

Perform a urinalysis and urine culture to assess for the presence of bacteria. The presence of bacteria indicates a urinary tract infection, which may rule out interstitial cystitis. Normal urine may be an indication for interstitial cystitis.
Step 3

Perform a cystoscopy to visualize the bladder.
Step 4

Take a biopsy, most likely during cystoscopies, to test for differential diagnoses such as cancer.
Step 5

Use potassium chloride to diagnose interstitial cystitis. A potassium chloride solution and a water solution are placed into the bladder. If pain and urgency are felt with the potassium chloride solution, interstitial cystitis may be diagnosed. If there is no pain or urgency with either solution, interstitial cystitis is not likely.