Information in this section pertains to all global PEN® partners except where country flags are
visible. Click on the flag(s) for country-specific information. If a country flag is not listed, there is
no information specific to that country.
Disease Etiology
Interstitial cystitis (IC) or bladder pain syndrome (BPS) or painful bladder syndrome (PBS) is a condition that results in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region (1). IC/BPS includes all cases of urinary pain that cannot be attributed to other causes such as an infection or urinary stones. The cause of IC is as yet unknown. It is postulated that changes in urothelial permeability, notably due to changes in the protective mucous layer leads