How to diagnose BPS/IC

The diagnosis of BPS/IC is based on patient symptoms and the exclusion of other urinary system disorders with similar symptoms. Therefore, an assessment should include a careful multidisciplinary patient history and physical examination. If the patient is failing to respond to antibiotic treatment, it’s important to carry out a urine culture, not just dipstick tests, to ensure bacterial infection can be excluded.^1,44,47,48

Ultrasound, urodynamics or a cystoscopy and biopsy of the bladder wall can also be considered. And, in men, laboratory examination of prostate cells.^47–50

If your patients have recurrent symptoms, you could try using the Bladder Smart Consultation Guide to focus on getting enough relevant information to help them further or refer them to a specialist. It could also be helpful to ask them to record their symptoms in a Bladder Smart Diary to ensure the information you receive is as accurate as possible.⁵¹

References

• 1.Meijlink JM. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. Int Painful Bl Found. 2014.
• 44.Fiander N. Painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis: treatment options. Br J Nurs. 2013;22(9):27-33.
• 47.Clemens JQ. Patient education: Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (Beyond the Basics). www.uptodate.com/contents/diagnosis-of-interstitial-cystitis-bladder-pain-syndrome-beyond-the-basics. Published 2017. Accessed September 1, 2017.
• 48.Columbia University Medical Center. Interstitial cystitis. columbiaurology.org/adult-urology/urinary-disorders/female-urinary-disorders/interstitial-cystitis. Published 2016. Accessed September 1, 2017.
• 49.Khan AN. Cystitis Imaging. Medscape. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/377318-overview. Published 2015. Accessed September 1, 2017.
• 50.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Urodynamic Testing. www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/urodynamic-testing. Published 2014. Accessed September 1, 2017.
• 51.Tirlapur S, Birch J, Carberry C, et al. Management of Bladder Pain Syndrome: RCOG Green-Top Guideline No. 70. Vol 124.; 2016. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.14310.