Definition:

Interstitial cystitis (IC), also referred to as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic non-infectious inflammatory condition characterized by recurring discomfort, pain or pressure in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region. IC/BPS most often affect females compared with males. The affected individuals experience urinary frequency and urgency. The duration of irritative symptoms associated with unpleasant sensation are longer than six weeks duration. At present, there are two major subtypes of IC/BPS: those with or without Hunner lesion, which are also known as ulcerative or non-ulcerative IC/BPS, respectively.