Int Neurourol J.  2022 Sep;26(3):179-189. 10.5213/inj.2244200.100.

Clinical Approach to Recurrent Voiding Dysfunction, Dysuria, and Pelvic Pain Persisting for at Least 3 Months

• Kim SJ
• Kim KH

• KMID: 2533654
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5213/inj.2244200.100

Abstract

There are several patients with urination problems and urethral and pelvic discomfort. Usually, these patients’ symptoms are persistent and ambiguous; therefore, it is difficult to find underlying diseases associated with the patient’s symptoms. In addition, there are various conditions such as overactive bladder, cystitis, and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). Sometimes patients with other chronic disorders such as fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and vulvodynia show urination problems and pelvic pain. Thus, a patient-centered approach is important to find the cause of chronic urination problems and pelvic pain. Moreover, IC/BPS should be considered during the diagnostic process because the clinical characteristics of IC/BPS are diverse. In this narrative review, we suggest an integral approach for the diagnosis and treatment of IC/ BPS.

Keyword

Cystitis, Interstitial; Urination disorders; Chronic pain; Therapeutics; Physiopathology