What referral criteria should I consider for patients with suspected i

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

For patients with suspected interstitial cystitis who do not respond to initial management, referral to an appropriate specialist (urologist, urogynaecologist, or nephrologist) should be considered ,.

Key referral criteria include:

Persistent bladder or urethral pain: This is a primary indication for referral, with urgent referral if cancer is suspected ,,.
Failure of non-specialist management: Referral is indicated when non-specialist management is failing or chronic pain is poorly controlled . Initial management typically involves lifestyle advice (e.g., weight loss, fluid modification, caffeine reduction, smoking cessation), bladder training, and pelvic floor muscle training ,,.

Other associated symptoms that warrant specialist referral include:

Voiding difficulty ,,.
A history of chronic urinary retention ,.
A bladder that is palpable on abdominal or bimanual examination after voiding ,,.
A clinically benign pelvic mass ,,.
Associated faecal incontinence ,,.
Suspected neurological disease ,,.
Suspected urogenital fistulae ,,.
A history of previous incontinence surgery, pelvic cancer surgery, or radiation therapy ,,.

What referral criteria should I consider for patients with suspected interstitial cystitis who do not respond to initial management?

Key References

What referral criteria should I consider for patients with suspected interstitial cystitis who do not respond to initial management?

Key References

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