Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Since the term interstitial cystitis (IC) was coined in 1887, its definition has undergone multiple transformations. A. Skene initially described IC as “inflammation that has destroyed the mucous membrane partly or wholly and extended to the muscular parietes”. Although IC/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) afflicts both sexes, it is more prevalent in women. IC/BPS occurs over a wide range of ages, though presentation varies. Older patients are more likely to have nocturia, and incontinence, while younger patients are more likely to report irritative voiding symptoms, dyspareunia, and external genital pain. Associated comorbidities include chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Sexual function may also be affected, and it is the only strong predictor of mental quality of life in patients with severe IC/BPS. Many etiological theories of IC/BPS have been postulated, proven, and subsequently disproven.