IC/Painful Bladder Syndrome: New AUA Guidelines

The effects of IC/BPS on psychosocial functioning and QoL are pervasive, damaging work life, psychological well-being, personal relationships and general health. There’s been a lot of new data regarding this condition and some historic information has been deleted. For example, potassium installation into the bladder is no longer recommended. That diagnostic test, occasionally still found in some gynecological texts, can cause exquisite pain if the bladder is acutely inflamed. Therefore, this is no longer considered a diagnostic tool. Additionally, options for treatment are now quite varied and include FIRST-line to SIXTH-line options. This is PART 1 covering IC pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostics (including physical exam and ancillary testing). We will leave treatment options for Part 2.