Interstitial Cystitis

EA 2.5 Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) (also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome or Painful Bladder Syndrome) is a chronic condition that causes pain and discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region. The exact cause of IC is unknown, but it is characterised by symptoms such as frequent and urgent urination, pressure or pain in the bladder, and discomfort in the pelvic region. It can also lead to bladder dysfunction and decreased quality of life. There is no cure for IC, but various treatments, such as medication, bladder training, and physical therapy, can help manage its symptoms.

Expertise Area Coordinator and Vice-EAC

Expertise Area Coordinator: Mariangela Mancini

Vice-EAC: Alessandro Giammò

Dr. Alessandro Giammò is a highly qualified and recognized professional in the field of Neuro-Urology and Functional Urology, with an important career within the Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital of Turin. He currently holds several important positions, including Director of the Departmental Structure of Neuro-Urology at the CTO and Head of the Level III Regional Center for the diagnosis and treatment of incontinence. Furthermore, he is the Scientific Director of the University Master in Functional Urology and Neuro-urology and President of the Italian Society of Urodynamics (SIUD).

Dr. Giammò has perfected his skills through international courses and training at prestigious institutions such as the University of Maastricht and the Vesalius Clinical Training Unit of the University of Bristol, becoming a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the diagnosis and treatment of Bladder Pain Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis). He also specialises in treating male urinary incontinence and has extensive experience as a national and international tutor and trainer.

Finally, he has chaired important scientific events as a speaker and has significantly contributed to the scientific literature with several publications, 40 of which are indexed on PubMed. Furthermore, he is an editor and co-author of important publications published by Springer.

Conditions and Codes

Interstitial cystitis: ORPHAcode 37202 / ICD-10 Codes N30.1, N30.8, N30.9

Healthcare Providers

BE Antwerp UZ, BE Leuven UZ, DE Hamburg-Eppendorf UK, ES Madrid 12 de Octubre, ES Madrid La Paz, ES Barcelona Fundació Puigvert, IT Padua AOU, IT Turin AOU, IT Rome Gemelli, NL Nijmegen Radboudumc

Patient Information

Patient Journey

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IC-Patient-Journey

Additional Resources

Associazione Italiana Cisitite Interstiziale (AICI Onlus).
EAU Chronic Pelvic Pain Guidelines. This guideline plays an important role in the process of consolidation and improvement of care for patients with pelvic pain and associated lower abdominal pain.
EAU Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Patient Information. The European Association of Urology (EAU) Patient Office provides reliable patient information on urology conditions and urology health.
International Painful Bladder Foundation (IPBF).
International Society for the Study of Bladder Pain Syndrome (ESSIC).
Interstitial Cystitis. Disease InfoSearch page and Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center page.