Persistent bladder or pelvic pain and an urgent need to urinate can be the signs of a urinary-tract infection.
If no bacteria are present, however, you might have interstitial cystitis (IC)—also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome—a distressing condition that affects 3 to 8 million women in the United States, according to the Interstitial Cystitis Association.
Some people with IC experience periodic flare-ups. Others have persistent pain and need to urinate up to 60 times a day.
By visiting your health care provider, you can learn how to best manage your symptoms.