Author:
Ullah Asad,Jamil Muhammad
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a heterogeneous, chronic, and debilitating condition. It affects 400,000 individuals in the United Kingdom. IC/BPS presents with suprapubic pain or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder with one or more urinary symptoms (e.g., urgency, frequency or nocturia) for more than 6 weeks. The exact etiology is not clearly understood. It can sometimes co-exist with other chronic pain disorders, complicating the diagnosis and management. IC/BPS can adversely impact the quality of life, impede work, and interfere with the sleep, sexual and social life of the affected individual. The contemporary treatments are palliative and aim for symptom control only. There is no cure available presently. Moreover, treatment effects are highly variable; therefore, personalization of treatment is vital for achieving the desired outcomes. Management includes lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, systemic pharmacotherapy, intravesical therapies and surgery. Conservative treatments are usually used first, followed by invasive and combination therapies if required. Treatment should aim beyond symptom improvement and encompass improvement in quality of life. Further research is needed to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of IC/BPS. It will assist in the development of new biomarkers and drug development.