Fact or Fiction—Is Abuse Prevalent in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis? Results From a Community Survey and Clinic Population

Abstract

Our study demonstrates an association between interstitial cystitis and abuse. Thus, it is important for clinicians to assess for abuse in women with interstitial cystitis or pelvic pain and provide appropriate referral to psychologists or other health care workers to provide comprehensive care for managing their symptoms. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of biopsychosocial therapies, in addition to traditional interstitial cystitis medical therapies for women with a history of abuse and interstitial cystitis.