Summary of the 2023 report of the international consultation on incontinence interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) committee

Abstract

Interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome are essentially interchangeable as there is no accepted definition that clearly delineates the interstitial cystitis syndrome from bladder pain syndrome. IC/BPS is generally agreed to be defined as chronic pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder when accompanied by at least one other urinary symptom such as persistent urge to void or urinary frequency when in the absence of confusable diseases. The Consultation believes that patients who meet the definition and have a Hunner lesion should be considered to have a distinct confusable disease (Hunner lesion disease — HLD) and be managed accordingly. It follows that early cystoscopy is essential in establishing whether the diagnosis is HLD or IC/BPS. As no single treatment works well over time for a majority of patients, the treatment approach should be tailored to the specific symptoms of each patient and a multidisciplinary approach may be required. A reasonable diagnostic and treatment algorithm is offered by the Consultation. For methodology and the complete report of the committee with complete references, please refer to the 7th edition of the International Consultation on Urological Diseases Incontinence.