Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Urinary Bladder Distention Evoked Visceromotor Responses as a Model for Bladder Pain in Mice
Published on: April 27, 2014
Pregnancy and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Deborah R Erickson1, Kathleen J Propert
1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center, 800 Rose Street, Room MS-269, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. dreric2@email.uky.edu
Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) and interstitial cystitis (IC) can impact women of childbearing age. This review covers pregnancy effects on PBS/IC, treatment risks during pregnancy, and genetic factors in IC.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) and interstitial cystitis (IC) are chronic conditions affecting women, often during reproductive years.
- Management of PBS/IC during pregnancy presents unique challenges due to potential treatment risks and symptom variability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of current knowledge regarding pregnancy in women with PBS/IC.
- To discuss the impact of pregnancy on PBS/IC symptoms.
- To review the safety and risks of common PBS/IC treatments during pregnancy.
- To summarize current understanding of genetic factors in IC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on pregnancy, PBS/IC, and related treatments.
- Synthesis of available data on symptom changes during pregnancy.
- Analysis of risks associated with pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions.
- Review of research on the genetic basis of IC.
Main Results:
- Limited data exists on how pregnancy influences PBS/IC symptoms.
- Several common PBS/IC treatments carry potential risks during pregnancy, requiring careful consideration.
- Emerging research is exploring the genetic underpinnings of interstitial cystitis.
Conclusions:
- Pregnant women with PBS/IC and their clinicians need information on symptom management and treatment safety.
- Further research is necessary to understand pregnancy's effect on PBS/IC and to identify safer treatment options.
- Genetic research may offer future insights into IC etiology and personalized treatment approaches.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Disorders of the Urinary System
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common urinary system disorders. They are caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and can spread to the bladder resulting in cystitis. Pyelonephritis is the result of a UTI that has ascended to the level of the...
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
