Risk factors

These factors are associated with a higher risk of interstitial cystitis:

• Your sex. Women are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis more often than men. Symptoms in men may mimic interstitial cystitis, but they're more often associated with an inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis).
• Your age. Most people with interstitial cystitis are diagnosed during their 30s or older.
• Having a chronic pain disorder. Interstitial cystitis may be associated with other chronic pain disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia.