Interstitial cystitis: a review of current concepts of aetiology, diagnosis and therapy

Until recently, interstitial cystitis (IC) has been described as a chronic clinical syndrome of obscure aetiology and, consequently, specific treatment for the condition is lacking. IC has often been regarded as a diagnosis of exclusion in women complaining of chronic pelvic pains, frequency, dysuria, etc. and until recently most clinicians rarely considered this diagnosis in men. However, recent research efforts have begun to yield vital information on this underdiagnosed and distressing clinical condition regarding its aetiology and diagnosis and, consequently, more effective therapeutic options are now emerging. The aim of this review is to highlight these emerging concepts of the aetiology, diagnosis and innovative therapy of IC, in order to help clinicians confronted by patients with this disorder.