Take a little time to understand the terminology. Terminology is one of the main factors that contributes to confusion with bladder disorders. Many terms are used interchangeably by medical personnel and are not clearly explained. In addition, doctors must rely on the triad of symptoms to indicate, and sometimes differentiate, between a myriad of disorders. Bladder disorders indicated by the triad of symptoms listed above include:
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Commonly referred to by the acronym U.T.I., this term refers to an infection that may be located anywhere in the urinary system including: the kidneys; ureters; bladder; or urethra. U.T.I. is used most often for the "run-of-the mill" bladder infection that lasts about a week with antibiotic treatment.
Cystitis – Cystitis literally means an inflammation of the bladder usually caused by a bacterial infection. As opposed to an U.T.I., this term is most frequently used in the medical world to refer to a condition of recurring bladder infections. You have this condition if you have more than one infection within a year.
Urethritis – Urethritis simply refers to an infection or inflammation that is isolated to the urethra. Doctors tend to use this diagnosis when patients report the triad of urinary symptoms along with generalized pain in this area of the urethra, without evidence of infection. You may have this if you have not responded to treatment for an infection. Your doctor may examine you with a scope to determine if you have inflammation in this area.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) – IC is diagnosed primarily through the acute and chronic presence of the triad of symptoms without evidence of infection. Though more than ninety percent of patients who suffer with IC are women, many men suffer with this condition as well. If you consistently test negative for a bladder infection and still have truly acute (i.e. life altering) symptoms, you may have this condition.
Overactive Bladder Syndrome - This condition refers to a disorder that is diagnosed primarily through the acute and chronic presence of frequency and urgency (Gotta’ go right now!), and in some patients (about 40%), involuntary loss of urine. It is believed to be caused by an overactive bladder muscle.