Location of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Interstitial cystitis is located in the bladder, but patients experience pain throughout the pelvis—including the suprapubic region, urethra, vulva, vagina, rectum—and in extragenital locations such as the lower abdomen and back. 1
Primary Pain Location
- The bladder is the primary site, with pain, pressure, or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder being the hallmark symptom 1
- Suprapubic pain (or pressure, discomfort) related to bladder filling is the most typical presentation 1
Extended Pain Distribution in Women
The pain distribution extends well beyond the bladder itself:
- Pelvic locations: urethra, vulva, vagina, and rectum 1
- Extragenital locations: lower abdomen and back 1
- Using "pelvic pain" as the key descriptor captured 100% of IC/BPS patients in clinical studies 1
Pain Location in Men
Male patients with IC/BPS present with a similar but distinct pain distribution:
- Primary sites: perineum, suprapubic region, testicles, or tip of the penis 1, 2
- Pain is often exacerbated by urination or ejaculation 1, 2
- The diagnosis should be strongly considered in men whose pain is perceived to be related to the bladder 1
Important Clinical Caveat
Many patients use descriptors other than "pain"—especially "pressure" or "discomfort"—and may actually deny having pain when directly asked. 1 This linguistic variation is critical for accurate diagnosis, as clinicians who focus narrowly on the word "pain" may miss patients who describe their symptoms differently.