How to treat BPS/IC

If it’s left untreated BPS/IC can lead to reduced bladder capacity, bleeding from the bladder lining and bladder lesions. Scarring and stiffening may pressurise the bladder and cause incontinence or kidney damage.^1,51,52

The initial type and level of treatment should depend on the severity of symptoms, clinician judgement and patient preferences.^51,53

Multiple, simultaneous treatments may be considered if it’s in the best interests of the patient; baseline symptom assessment and regular symptom level reassessment are essential to document the efficacy of single and combined treatments.^51,53 Pain management should be considered continually; if the impact on quality of life is significant the patient should be referred appropriately.^51,53

References

• 1.Meijlink JM. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. Int Painful Bl Found. 2014.
• 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.
• 52.London Urology. Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) and Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Painful. www.londonurology.org.uk/services/bladder-pelvic-pain/. Published 2017. Accessed September 1, 2017.
• 53.Jerauld A, Wormuth L, Carlson B. New Approaches in Managing Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. US Pharm. 2016;41(9):29-33.