Patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome may experience recurring severe pelvic pain, pressure, and urinary frequency and urgency. Symptoms can result in fatigue, sexual dysfunction, depression, and even suicidal ideation. The economic
cost of interstitial cystitis is 2.0-2.4 times higher than age-matched peers.
While there is no cure for interstitial cystitis, some patients can experience some relief with appropriate treatment and early diagnosis can lead to a better prognosis and decreased health care costs. There is currently no commercial laboratory test
to diagnose or classify interstitial cystitis patients, representing a significant unmet medical need.