Strategies in the management of interstitial cystitis: A Literature Review

Abstract

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic, multifactorial condition that predominantly affects adult women, causing pelvic pain, urinary frequency, and significant impairment in quality of life. This study presents a qualitative systematic review of literature published between 2020 and 2025 from databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Findings indicate that effective management requires a stepped, multimodal, and patient-centered approach, integrating pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and minimally invasive therapies. The most evidence-based strategies include pelvic floor physiotherapy, behavioral modifications, intravesical instillations (hyaluronic acid, alkalinized lidocaine, interferon), hydrodistension, and adapter devices such as the Ialuadapter®. Evidence confirms that combining interventions, shared decision-making, and continuous monitoring significantly improve symptoms and quality of life. It is concluded that no universally effective therapy exists; therefore, management must be individualized, multidisciplinary, and sensitive to the psychosocial impact of the disease.

Keywords: interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome, minimally invasive therapies, quality of life