Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a common chronic pelvic pain condition that affects an estimated 7.9 million women in the United States. Although the nomenclature for BPS remains controversial, the American Urological Association defines BPS/interstitial cystitis as “an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.” Patients may present to several different clinicians and describe “flares” of worsening symptoms triggered by stress, intercourse, menses, or diet. Bladder pain.
Bladder pain syndrome (also called interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome) is a chronic (long-term) pain condition that affects the bladder. Bladder pain syndrome affects more women than men. Some women have severe…
