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Health articles by Korean doctors, with direct links to their clinics

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Korean medicinePublished 2026-08-07

[Interstitial Cystitis] If your urine test results are normal but you experience recurring bladder pain, check for interstitial cystitis

  • Key points
  • Ulsan Interstitial cystitis may be suspected when a patient experiences recurring bladder pain, frequent urination, a sensation of incomplete emptying, and pelvic discomfort, even in the absence of a clear bacterial infection.
  • Rather than simply repeating antibiotic treatments as if it were a simple case of cystitis, it is important to consider the results of the urinalysis, the location of the pain, and any connections to diet, stress, and the menstrual cycle.
  • It’s frustrating when you experience frequent urges to urinate and lower abdominal discomfort—similar to a urinary tract infection—but are told your urine test results are normal.

View the original article at Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan (Korean) ↗

What this article covers

  • Quick Answers
  • Interstitial Cystitis Is Different from Regular Cystitis
  • 5 Things to Check Before Your Appointment
  • What to Look for First When Experiencing Recurring Bladder Discomfort
  • It Must Be Distinguished from Irritable Bladder and Recurrent Cystitis
  • Pelvic Discomfort Associated with Women’s Health Conditions
  • Lifestyle management is part of treatment
  • Korean medicine clinic Advantages of Our Care

You can view the full content in the original post on the official blog at Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan.

Original: View the original article at Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan (Korean) ↗

Jo Seong-won

Chief Director · Korean medicine doctor (KMD) · Inae Korean Medicine Clinic, Ulsan

About the clinic

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Korean medicine

[Digestive System] If You Experience Recurring Nausea and Gagging, Check Your Autonomic Nervous System as Well

  • Repeated feelings of nausea and retching do not necessarily indicate an autonomic nervous system disorder.
  • Causes vary widely and may include gastroenteritis, reflux esophagitis, medication side effects, migraines, pregnancy, and ear disorders. If you experience weight loss, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, or new neurological symptoms, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
  • Some people experience an upset stomach when they wake up in the morning, feel the urge to retch before important events, and postpone meals because even a small amount of food makes them feel nauseous.
Korean medicine

[Bladder and Urinary Disorders] Overactive Bladder in Ulsan: Why Should You Seek Treatment for Urge Incontinence When It’s Hard to Hold It In?

  • If you find it difficult to hold your urine or experience slight, involuntary leakage, you should get checked out.
  • When you’re tired or under stress, your autonomic nervous system can become disrupted, potentially making the symptoms worse, so you should be cautious.
  • By combining traditional Korean medicine treatments with lifestyle management, you can normalize your urination habits, so we recommend visiting us as soon as possible.
Korean medicine

[Endometrial Adhesions] If Your Menstrual Flow Has Decreased and You’re Having Trouble Getting Pregnant, Here’s What to Check First

  • Endometrial adhesions refer to a condition in which the inner walls of the uterus stick together, which can affect the shape of the uterine cavity or the flow of menstrual blood.
  • If your menstrual flow has noticeably decreased or stopped following a D&C after a miscarriage, uterine surgery, or an intrauterine infection, or if you are experiencing recurrent miscarriages or difficulty conceiving, you should consult an OB/GYN to determine whether an evaluation of the uterine cavity is necessary.
  • It can be concerning if your menstrual flow decreases significantly compared to before after a miscarriage or childbirth, or if you experience lower abdominal pain around your expected period but have almost no bleeding.

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Korean medicine

Menopause: Sudden Fever and Nighttime Awakenings—Is It Just a Matter of Hormonal Changes?

  • Ulsan People seeking counseling for menopause often report a combination of symptoms such as hot flashes, facial flushing, night sweats, insomnia, heart palpitations, mood swings, vaginal dryness, an overactive bladder, and fatigue.
  • “I suddenly get hot flashes, wake up every night, and I’ve been feeling more irritable than usual.” During menopause, various physical changes occur all at once.
  • As menstruation becomes irregular and eventually stops, estrogen levels decrease, which can affect body temperature regulation, sleep, emotional regulation, the mucous membranes of the vagina and bladder, and the condition of bones and muscles.
Korean medicine

[Menopause · Vaginal Dryness] Recurring burning and dryness: Vaginal dryness and menopausal vaginitis should be considered together

  • Ulsan During a consultation for vaginal dryness, it is important to first determine whether symptoms such as stinging, burning, a sensation of recurring vaginitis, pain during intercourse, and discomfort when urinating are due to vaginal atrophy and dryness related to hormonal changes during menopause.
  • Vaginal dryness is not simply a matter of insufficient lubrication; it can result from a combination of factors, including a decrease in estrogen before and after menopause, reduced mucosal healing capacity, recurrent vaginitis, bladder irritation, and changes in sleep patterns and stress levels.
  • If symptoms recur, it is advisable to undergo a gynecological examination to assess both the healing capacity of the mucous membranes and your overall physical condition.
Korean medicine

[Bladder and Urinary Disorders] If Your Urinalysis Is Normal but You Experience Recurring Bladder Pain, Check for Interstitial Cystitis

  • Ulsan The key to consulting on interstitial cystitis is to recognize the recurring pattern of bladder pain, frequent urination, urinary urgency, and lower abdominal discomfort—even if no bacteria are detected in a urine test.
  • It’s even more frustrating when you’re experiencing pain similar to a bladder infection but are told that your urine test shows “no signs of inflammation.”
  • If you find yourself going to the bathroom frequently, don’t feel relieved even after urinating, or experience a heavy, aching pain in your lower abdomen and bladder area—yet your test results consistently come back normal—you may want to consider the possibility of interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome.

This page is translated from Korean. Please confirm opening hours, booking and other details directly with the clinic.

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