Interstitial Cystitis: Prevention To prevent interstitial cystitis, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Tobacco (smoking) – smokers have a 1.7-fold increased risk of interstitial cystitis Tea drinkers have a 2.4-fold increased risk of interstitial cystitis Psycho-social situation Stress – Can lead to a flare-up of symptoms, but does not trigger the disease.