Epidemiology of interstitial cystitis

Available data on the epidemiology of interstitial cystitis (IC) are hetero geneous. lts prevalence ranges between 16 and 510 females/100,000 inhabitan ts and the incidence at 1.2-2.6/100,000 females with a mean age of 42-52 ye ars. The disease tends to affect women (female:male ratio 9-10:1) and Cauca sians (>90%). The quality of life of patients suffering from IC is reduced to a significa nt degree in almost every aspect (work, social events, leisure activities). Financial expenses (medical as well as economical) associated with the dis ease are considerable. There is an enormous need to promote IC education an d research in order to support affected patients effectively in the future.