Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: Guidelines from the Committee of Female Urology (CUROPF) of the French Association of Urology (AFU)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition whose diagnosis relies primarily on a structured process of exclusion. Defined as chronic pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort perceived in relation to the bladder, accompanied by at least one urinary symptom, IC/BPS encompasses significant clinical and pathophysiological heterogeneity. A thorough medical history, targeted physical examination, and validated questionnaires such as the O'Leary-Sant score (ICSI/ICPI) form the foundation of initial evaluation. Patient phenotyping - distinguishing in particular the bladder-centric from the sensitization phenotype - is essential to guide both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Complementary investigations include a voiding diary, urine culture, imaging (ultrasound as first-line, CT scan and MRI as second-line modalities), and cystoscopy (preferably with hydrodistension under general anesthesia), which allows identification of Hunner's lesions, measurement of anatomical bladder capacity, and targeted biopsies. Urodynamic testing is reserved for cases of diagnostic uncertainty or associated voiding dysfunction. These recommendations aim to standardize the diagnostic approach in order to optimize individualized management in patients suffering from IC/BPS.
Source: The French Journal of Urology
Authors: François Meyer, Caroline Brandon, Christian Saussine, Shahed Borojeni, Pierre-Olivier Bosset, Sandrine Campagne-Loiseau, Jean-Nicolas Cornu, Laurence Donon, Lucie Even, Marie Florin, François Hervé, Sophie Hurel, Julia Klap, Marie-Aimée Perrouin-Verbe, Caroline Plassais, Claire Richard, Adrien Vidart, Souhil Lebdai, Amélie Levesque, Caroline Thuillier, Benoît Peyronnet
Institutions: Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Ramsay Santé Hôpital privé des Peupliers, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Hôpital Foch, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen, Hôpital Tenon, Ghent University Hospital, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Université de Rennes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Inserm, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes
Language: English
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $1,910
OpenAlex ID: W7169681822