Bladder Pain Syndrome in Women

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a common chronic pelvic pain condition that affects an estimated 7.9 million women in the United States.¹ Although the nomenclature for BPS remains controversial, the American Urological Association defines BPS/interstitial cystitis as “an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.”¹ Patients may present to several different clinicians and describe “flares” of worsening symptoms triggered by stress, intercourse, menses, or diet.