Epidemiology

The incidence in the US is reported to be 2.6 cases per 100,000 women per year.[8] The estimated prevalence is around 45 per 100,000 women and 8 per 100,000 men, but prevalence data conflict depending on the country of origin and the criteria used for diagnosis.[9]​ In one large study in the US, 2.70% to 6.53% of women had symptoms of IC/BPS (depending on whether high specificity or high sensitivity criteria were used).[10] While 87.1% reported consulting a physician about their symptoms, only 9.9% of women had been diagnosed with IC/BPS, suggesting the condition may be underdiagnosed.​[10]

One managed care review asserts a female-to-male ratio of 5:1.[11] The age range with the highest prevalence is 40 to 60 years.[11] In a survey of adults ages 40-79 years in South Korea, the prevalence of IC/BPS-like symptoms was 21.4% among women and 10.7% among men.[12]​ Some studies suggest IC/BPS is more common among white people.[10][13]​ 

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer