What is a common name for interstitial cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is often referred to as bladder pain syndrome. This terminology highlights the primary symptom of the condition, which is chronic pelvic pain alongside bladder discomfort associated with urinary frequency and urgency. The name “bladder pain syndrome” underscores the symptom profile that includes bladder-related pain that is not attributed to any identifiable infection or other obvious pathology.

The other names provided do not accurately reflect the nature or symptoms of interstitial cystitis. A chronic bladder infection suggests the presence of infectious agents, which is not the case in interstitial cystitis. Urinary tract syndrome is a more general term that can encompass various conditions affecting the urinary tract but lacks the specificity and clinical relevance to interstitial cystitis. Renal colic refers specifically to pain associated with the passage of kidney stones and does not relate to the symptoms or pathology associated with interstitial cystitis.