Research has shown that allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, and sensitive skin are the three most common overlapping conditions in the IC population. However, there are many other overlapping conditions that affect people with IC.

• Individuals with allergies, migraine headaches, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or sensitive skin may have a greater chance of developing IC. And, IC patients were 100 times more likely than the general population to have irritable bowel syndrome.
• Vulvodynia, a syndrome marked by various painful vulvovaginal symptoms, is the fourth most common IC related condition. It is thought that a common defect in the bladder and vaginal tissues may contribute to both conditions.
• Individuals already suffering from IC may also have a greater chance of having fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
• IC patients have been shown to be 30 times more likely than the general population to have systemic lupus erythematosus.
• More recent research has revealed that IC may also be connected with other chronic conditions, such as panic attacks and pelvic floor dysfunction.  

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Chronic Prostatitis
• Endometriosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
• Vulvodynia

Revised April 10, 2009