New Clinical Research Study Focuses on New Treatment Option for Hard-to-Diagnose Bladder Disease

A clinical research study is being conducted for patients with interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic bladder disorder characterized by pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and urgency and pain during sexual intimacy. It is estimated that as many as 700,000 people have been diagnosed with this disease and many more remain undiagnosed.

(PRWEB) June 23, 2005 -- For patients with interstitial cystitis, a chronic painful bladder disease, there are few approved treatment options available.

A new clinical study seeks to examine the effectiveness of an investigational drug in the hope of adding to the few treatment options currently available.

Interstitial cystitis (IC), is a chronic bladder disorder characterized by pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and urgency and pain during sexual intimacy. It is estimated that as many as 700,000 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with this disease and many more remain undiagnosed.

There can be several issues underlying why so many are undiagnosed. First, awareness and public knowledge about IC are at low levels. Second, IC can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms mimic those of other painful bladder conditions.

In women, the symptoms of chronic pain, urgency, and frequency may be misdiagnosed as recurring urinary tract infection, overactive bladder, or endometriosis. In men, the symptoms may mimic other conditions such as chronic nonbacterial prostatitis or benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate). An accurate diagnosis of IC is confirmed only after numerous medical tests have been conducted.

While more common in women, IC is a condition that also affects men. Regardless of gender, it is a disease with significant impact on daily life as those affected try to cope with its symptoms.

Leading medical centers around the country are participating in a clinical research study that will examine the safety and effectiveness of an investigational treatment for IC. The study is enrolling adults 18 years or older who meet specific study criteria such as having been previously diagnosed with IC or adults currently living with symptoms of severe bladder and pelvic pain coupled with urinary frequency and urgency. People meeting these criteria are encouraged to contact the study screening center.

This study provides patients with a confirmed diagnosis, close monitoring of their IC symptoms, ongoing evaluations, and the opportunity to assist in evaluating a possible future treatment alternative for IC.

Patients diagnosed with IC as well as those who have bladder and pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and urgency are encouraged to call 1-866-652-6938 or to visit www.BladderPainStudy.net to learn more about this clinical research study.

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