title: Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: a review.
abstract: Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a chronic bladder disorder characterized by pelvic pain and irritative voiding symptoms. The symptoms of IC/PBS can overlap with such conditions as endometriosis, recurrent urinary tract infection, chronic pelvic pain, overactive bladder, and vulvodynia. The etiology of IC/PBS is likely multifactorial and may involve a defective urothelium, neurogenic upregulation, and mast cell activation. A thorough patient history and physical examination are critical in the differential diagnosis of IC/PBS. Frequent follow-up and patient education are important components of treatment once a condition is diagnosed. A multimodal approach to therapy can provide optimal relief for patients with IC/PBS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Urogynecology Center, Overland Park, Kansas 66215, USA. cwbutrick@gmail.com
authors.forename: Charles W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Butrick
authors.forename: Fred M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.forename: Peter K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Sand
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans