Definition and Clinical Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

There is a need for a proper and uniform understanding of the clinical entity, Interstitial cystitis/Bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). The disease is primarily a clinical condition and therefore it is important to understand the definition and clinical features of this disease entity. The definitions have evolved, and the subject is still evolving. The definition coined by the Global Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Society (GIBS) has become popular. The clinical features are the way to diagnose, and stepwise history and examination lead a clinician to the diagnosis. The clinical features like pain with micturition cycle, which are worst on full bladder, are the key differentiators from other similar appearing conditions. Interstitial cystitis is not as uncommon in men as against the previously prevalent notion of it being predominantly a disease of women. It is important to clinically differentiate IC/BPS in men from chronic prostatitis.