Practical Use of the New American Urological Association Interstitial Cystitis Guidelines

The American Urological Association recently developed guidelines to assist clinicians who evaluate and treat interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Knowledge in this area continues to advance, and some of the guideline statements differ from what clinicians may have been previously taught. This review includes the 27 guideline statements, which address both evaluation and treatment. This review lists the guideline statements and, when applicable, comments on their practical implementation and the most recent research. Practical information includes the following: key questions that help in the differential diagnosis, when to perform cystoscopy and urodynamics, how to recognize and treat Hunner lesions, useful practical resources for patients and clinicians, information on elimination diet and stress management, initial selection of oral and intravesical medications, and description of advanced treatment options (limited to dedicated, experienced clinicians).