What I Need to Know about Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is one of several conditions that causes bladder pain and a need to urinate frequently and urgently. Some doctors have started using the term bladder pain syndrome (BPS) to describe this condition. Your bladder is a balloon-shaped organ where your body holds urine. When you have a bladder problem, you may notice certain signs or symptoms. This publication by the National Institutes of Health (Publication No. 11-5750) provides information about the symptoms and signs of bladder problems, the causes, diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome.