When interstitial cystitis symptoms feel exactly like a bladder infection, sometimes it's hard to tell the difference. In fact, many IC patients mistakenly assume their IC flares are infection... often for years. The great news is that we now have a tool that can help you determine if your sudden onset of symptoms is a typical flare or a real bladder infection.

Having a UTI Test Kit on hand can certain ease your mind but they are not 100% accurate. If you experience an IC flare that just won't go away... or if you ever see visible blood in your urine, experience severe pain or develop a fever in conjunction with your bladder symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately. These are signs of a potentially severe bladder infection.