Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about ongoing bladder pain or recurring urinary symptoms without infection — video within 90 minutes. Referral for specialist investigation where appropriate.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
Interstitial cystitis is diagnosed from symptom pattern, not examination. Video is enough for an initial assessment, referral and management plan.
For a pelvic exam or urine sample when needed — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP reviews your symptom pattern, triggers and history. Video works well — no exam is usually needed for a first appointment.
Your GP orders urine tests to rule out infection and asks about red flags. Interstitial cystitis needs negative cultures to diagnose.
For confirmed or suspected cases, we set up a dietary and lifestyle plan, prescribe symptomatic treatment where appropriate, and refer to urology for specialist workup if needed.
Interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) causes long-standing bladder discomfort and urinary symptoms without the bacterial infection you'd see in a UTI. The exact cause isn't fully understood — it's likely a mix of bladder-lining damage, nerve sensitivity and autoimmune factors. Common triggers for a flare:
Blood in urine always needs investigating, even in people with known interstitial cystitis. If you're unable to pass urine at all, or have sudden severe pain with fever, call 999 or go to A&E.
Bladder-pain symptoms overlap with several conditions. A GP can tell the difference and start the right pathway.
A GP can recognise the pattern (recurring bladder pain and urinary symptoms with negative urine tests) and start the work-up — repeat urine cultures to rule out infection, symptom diary, lifestyle review. Definitive IC diagnosis is usually made in urology after cystoscopy; your GP arranges the referral when the picture fits.
UTIs show infection on urine testing and respond to antibiotics. IC gives the same urinary symptoms — urgency, frequency, bladder pain — but cultures come back negative repeatedly and antibiotics don't help. The pattern of "treated as UTI, didn't work, came back" is one of the strongest clues.
Three things: confirm there isn't an infection being missed, start symptom-control measures (bladder-friendly diet, pelvic floor advice, low-dose treatments where appropriate), and arrange the right specialist referral. We're honest that long-term IC management sits in urology, not primary care.
For confirmed or strongly suspected IC, yes — referral to a urologist or pelvic-pain specialist is the right path. Your GP writes the referral letter at the appointment and explains expected timelines for the specialist appointment.
Yes — avoiding bladder irritants (caffeine, citrus, artificial sweeteners, alcohol), pelvic floor exercises, heat for pain, and stress management all help some patients. Your GP will tailor advice to your symptom pattern and signpost specific resources.
IC itself isn't dangerous, but symptoms that change suddenly — fever, blood in urine, severe one-sided back pain, or symptoms that respond to antibiotics this time — point to something other than IC and need same-day review.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) · NICE CKS LUTS in women