title: [Epidemiology of interstitial cystitis].
abstract: Available data on the epidemiology of interstitial cystitis (IC) are heterogeneous. Its prevalence ranges between 16 and 510 females/100,000 inhabitants and the incidence at 1.2-2.6/100,000 females with a mean age of 42-52 years. The disease tends to affect women (female:male ratio 9-10:1) and Caucasians (> 90%). The quality of life of patients suffering from IC is reduced to a significant degree in almost every aspect (work, social events, leisure activities). Financial expenses (medical as well as economical) associated with the disease are considerable. There is an enormous need to promote IC education and research in order to support affected patients effectively in the future.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kliesch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors