Volume 16, Number 2Review ArticlesTreating Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome as a Chronic DiseaseManagement ReviewPhilip C BoschDavid C BoschThe management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is both frustrating and difficult. The etiology is uncertain and there is no definitive treatment. Consequently, both patients and doctors tend to be unhappy and unsatisfied with the quality of care. The American Urological Association (AUA) provides a guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of IC/BPS. Recommended first-line treatments include patient education, self-care practices, behavior modifications, and stress management. Management of IC/BPS may be also improved if both patients and doctors treat this condition as a chronic disease. This article reviews the AUA first-line treatments for IC/BPS and considers the benefits of treating this condition as a chronic disease. [Rev Urol. 2014;16(2):83-87 doi: 10.3909/riu0603] © 2014 MedReviews®, LLCBladder pain syndromeInterstitial cystitisChronic diseaseAutoimmune diseases