Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (or IC) is a chronic, inflammatory,  painful pelvic and bladder condition that can sometimes be difficult to treat. According to the Interstitial Cystitis Association, IC is also referred to by several other names, including painful bladder syndrome (PBS), bladder pain syndrome (BPS) and chronic pelvic pain.

Is interstitial cystitis considered a disability? In some ways, yes. IC is sometimes said to be "debilitating" and can be associated with severe pain and limitations, negatively impacting people’s quality of life. Unfortunately, it’s considered a life long condition that must be managed on an ongoing basis, much like autoimmune disorders or digestive issues such as IBS.

Many people mistake IC for other health conditions, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is because these two conditions share similar symptoms, like bladder and pelvic pain. However, with IC there is no infection present, unlike with UTIs. IC can also be confused with chronic prostatitis in men, which experts believe has led to an under-diagnosis of IC among adult men.