The Evaluation and Management of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome is a frustrating symptom complex for both the patient and the clinician. Classic Hunner’s lesion interstitial cystitis is clearly a bladder disease and treating the bladder improves symptoms. Non-Hunner’s lesion interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome likely has multiple aetiologies and in many cases the bladder is an innocent bystander in a bigger pelvic process. For many years, non-Hunner’s lesion interstitial cystitis has been treated with bladder-directed therapies, with poor overall outcomes. This literature review article will review the diagnosis and management of interstitial cystitis and encourage the reader to look beyond the bladder to achieve symptom relief.