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What is the difference between urinary tract infection and interstitial cystitis?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had a constant burning sensation during urination for weeks now. I have had many kidney infections and urinary tract infections and went to the hospital, and they could not find anything wrong. It is a burning sensation that does not go away. There is no history of STIs and I am not pregnant. Also I went for vaginal examination, and nothing was wrong. I am diabetic and have an appointment after two months with a urologist, but I am in so much pain, and nothing is helping.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil

Education:

MRCS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil is a urologist who can diagnose and manage urinary tract and male reproductive system disorders. He can provide expertise in kidney stones, prostate diseases, and urinary infections. He can do surgical and minimally invasive urological procedures. He can manage male infertility and sexual health issues. He can treat urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction. He can give prostate cancer screening and management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for consulting with us. This can be interstitial cystitis, and urine will show no infection, but still, there can be a burning sensation in passing urine and increased frequency of urination. The diagnosis will be confirmed by flexible cystoscopy and bladder biopsy, and treatment should be taken after the histology result. It is advisable to avoid bladder irritation by reducing spicy and junk foods. In addition, please avoid soft drinks, tea, and coffee. This will help. Please follow up after the biopsy results so that I can proceed with the treatment.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Here I am attaching the report from my last month's visit.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil

Education:

MRCS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil is a urologist who can diagnose and manage urinary tract and male reproductive system disorders. He can provide expertise in kidney stones, prostate diseases, and urinary infections. He can do surgical and minimally invasive urological procedures. He can manage male infertility and sexual health issues. He can treat urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction. He can give prostate cancer screening and management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, sure, Thanks for sharing the visit details. The plan is as mentioned above. There is only inflammation and no infection. However, the diagnosis must be established based on biopsy results for accuracy and proper treatment.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At November 10, 2022
Reviewed At April 9, 2025

Education:

MRCS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil is a urologist who can diagnose and manage urinary tract and male reproductive system disorders. He can provide expertise in kidney stones, prostate diseases, and urinary infections. He can do surgical and minimally invasive urological procedures. He can manage male infertility and sexual health issues. He can treat urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction. He can give prostate cancer screening and management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MRCS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Samer Sameer Juma Ali Altawil is a urologist who can diagnose and manage urinary tract and male reproductive system disorders. He can provide expertise in kidney stones, prostate diseases, and urinary infections. He can do surgical and minimally invasive urological procedures. He can manage male infertility and sexual health issues. He can treat urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction. He can give prostate cancer screening and management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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