IC/BPS Is a Bladder Disorder That Significantly Impacts Normal Daily Activities for Millions of Patients
Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) is a condition that results in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and surrounding pelvic region.
Patients often experience sudden exasperations of pain lasting hours to days (painful flares), that drive them to seek medical attention.
Cause
Healthy bladder with intact functional glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer prevents urine solutes from contacting epithelial cells and penetrating underlying tissue
Loss of the protective GAG layer exposes the urothelium to toxic components in urine, including potassium that can infiltrate underlying tissue causing damage, inflammation and pain
In the US, approx. 50 million patients per year go to see a PCP, urologist or gynecologist for the symptoms of urinary pain, frequency, urgency and incontinence.
IC/BPS Prevalence
% U.S. Adult Population
Patient Population2
| Low Estimate | High Estimate | |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 3.5M | 8.6M |
| Men | 2.4M | 5.3M |
| Total Average | 5.9M | 13.9M |
Source
- Data on women population is from RAND Study: J Urol. 2011 August, 186(2): 540–544. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2011.03.132
- Data on men population is from RICE Study: J Urol. 2013 January, 189(1): 141–145. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2012.08.088
- Americans aged 18 years or older
- 2015 US Census Bureau population forecast
IC/BPS Has a Prevalence of At Least 6M Patients and Is of High Interest to Healthcare Stakeholders
Between 2007 and 2009 the Rand Corporation conducted surveys, contacting over 100,000 households to complete questionnaires on bladder symptoms in adults age 18 years or older. The results of the survey estimated a prevalence of IC/BPS sufferers between 6 and 14 million, the majority of which were women.
Alenura Will Provide Fast Relief to Patient's Acute Painful Symptoms
Resources
Interstitial Cystitis Association
The ICA is the only nonprofit charitable organization dedicated solely to improving the quality of lives of people living with interstitial cystitis.
Bladder Health UK
The largest bladder patient support charity in the UK, gives support to people with all forms of cystitis, overactive bladder and continence issues.
Urology Care Foundation
Official Foundation of the American Urological Association
International Painful Bladder Foundation
Interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, patient information, books, support groups, patient associations, pain management
Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome) | NIDDK
Learn about interstitial cystitis: symptoms-urinary urgency, frequency; diagnosis; treatment-lifestyle, diet, bladder training, medicines, surgery.
