Contribution of the Microbiome to Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Mini Review

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by pelvic pain and urinary urgency and frequency with an unclear etiology. Emerging evidence implicates microbiome dysbiosis-disruptions in the microbial communities inhabiting the body-in IC/BPS pathophysiology. This review synthesizes the literature on microbial alterations in IC/BPS, including urinary, vaginal, and gastrointestinal microbiota, and their interactions with host inflammatory and metabolic pathways. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed studies from the past 10 years on microbial communities in the body for patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Studies have revealed significant changes in microbial species for these patients, especially in urine. However, research on whether IC/BPS can be treated with interventions to modify microbial communities in the body is still needed.