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    The content on this page is not current guidance and is only for the purposes of the consultation process.

    Indications and current treatment

    Interstitial cystitis

    Interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder. The main symptoms are pelvic pain, urinary urgency, urinary frequency and nocturia. Symptoms can last for several months or years. It is diagnosed by exclusion and is challenging to treat.

    Current treatment options aim to reduce symptoms and include:

    • lifestyle changes, such as dietary changes and stopping smoking

    • medication

    • intravesical therapy

    • intradetrusor botulinum toxin injection

    • neuromodulation

    • sacral nerve stimulation

    • cystoscopy plus hydrodistension.

    Overactive bladder

    OAB is defined as urinary urgency, usually with urinary frequency and nocturia, with or without urinary incontinence. In some people, it is accompanied by uncontrolled contractions of the detrusor muscle during bladder filling, called detrusor overactivity. It is diagnosed based on symptoms and is challenging to treat.

    Current treatment options aim to reduce symptoms and include:

    • physical therapies, such as pelvic floor muscle training

    • medication

    • percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation

    • intravesical therapy

    • intradetrusor botulinum toxin injection

    • sacral nerve stimulation.