Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome in Men.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Pain Medicine

Background:

• Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is traditionally viewed as a condition affecting women.
• Limited research exists specifically addressing the unique aspects of IC/BPS in the male population.
• A global consensus meeting highlighted the need for targeted research and clinical guidelines for male IC/BPS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a consensus document focusing on the phenotyping, diagnosis, and biomarkers of IC/BPS specifically in men.
• To outline the current understanding of IC/BPS prevalence, clinical characteristics, and evaluation in males.
• To identify gaps in knowledge and treatment strategies for male IC/BPS.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review approach was employed to synthesize existing literature.
• The study involved a subcommittee focused on IC/BPS in men during a global consensus meeting.
• Data synthesis included reviewing prevalence, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment options.

Main Results:

• Prevalence data for IC/BPS in men is highly variable due to limited specific research.
• Diagnosis is complicated by overlap with chronic prostatitis and other chronic pelvic pain syndromes.
• Key diagnostic features include pain with bladder filling and relief with voiding; painful ejaculation may suggest pelvic floor dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• There is a significant need for further sex-specific research into IC/BPS in men.
• Hormonal and anatomical differences between sexes likely influence IC/BPS presentation and require dedicated investigation.
• Current diagnostic and treatment approaches for male IC/BPS lack specificity.