Painful bladder syndrome

Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) is a chronic bladder disorder wherein patients present with persistent or recurrent subrapubic pain and pressure in the bladder and surrounding pelvic region. Patients also often have a frequent and urgent need to urinate. The term is often used interchangeably with interstitial cystitis. The classic feature is a painful desire to void that is relieved by urination. The pain can be relentless, forcing the patient to the toilet sometimes more than 20 times daily. In general, patients do not have incontinence, as the bladder is never full.