Summary
The wide spread definition for BPS is that proposed by the European Society for the Study of BPS in 2008 as ‘pelvic pain, pressure or discomfort perceived to be related to the bladder, lasting at least 6 months, and accompanied by at least one other urinary symptom, for example persistent urge to void or frequency, in the absence of other identifiable causes’. More recently, the American Urological Association has described BPS as ‘an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes’; this definition is preferable as it allows treatments to be initiated soon after symptom presentation. BPS may be associated with negative cognitive, behavioural, sexual or emotional consequences, as well as symptoms suggestive of sexual dysfunction according to the European Association of Urology.
BPS is a chronic condition with unknown aetiology. As the definition of BPS has evolved, it is seen now as a diagnosis of exclusion with no definitive diagnostic test; hence, it is difficult to estimate prevalence, which can be dependent on whether symptoms are clinician assigned or patient reported. A number of expert panels have published symptom-based diagnostic criteria for BPS. All include the symptoms of pain related to the bladder, at least one other urinary symptom, absence of identifiable causes and minimum duration of symptoms of 6 weeks to 6 months. Although there are very limited data on BPS in the UK, a survey of urogynaecologists has shown variable practice regarding its diagnosis and management.
COVID disclaimer
This guideline developed as part of the regular programme of Green-top Guidelines, as outlined in our document Developing a Green-top Guideline: Guidance for developers, and prior to the emergence of COVID-19.
Version history
This is the first edition of this guideline.
Please note that the RCOG Guidelines Committee regularly assesses the need to update the information provided in this publication. Further information on this review is available on request.
Developer declaration of interests
Dr SA Tirlapur: None declared.
Mrs JV Birch: None declared.
Dr CL Carberry MD: None declared.
Professor KS Khan: None declared.
Dr PM Latthe: Dr Latthe has received speaker fees from Astellas and Pfizer; has also received support towards attending conferences Trustee of COB (Bladder Health now)
Dr S Jha: Dr Jha has in the past received funding from Ethicon/Boston/Pfizer/Astellas to attend conferences. Dr Jha has also been on the Advisory board for Astellas for Betmiga.
Dr KL Ward: Dr Ward is a member of the United Kingdom Continence Society, British Society of Urogynaecology, European Association of Urology, International Urogynecological Association and International Continence Society, and is an associate of The British Association of Urological Surgeons Limited.
Ms A Irving: Ms Irving is a Trustee for The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation.