Interstitial Cystitis - Epidemiology Forecast - 2034
Description
Key Highlights
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic pelvic condition characterized by pain, pressure, or discomfort linked to the bladder. It involves persistent inflammation and lower urinary tract symptoms—such as urgency and frequency—without any identifiable infection or clear underlying cause.
Interstitial cystitis is classified into ulcerative and non-ulcerative types. The ulcerative form is defined by the presence of Hunner lesions—reddish erosions with surrounding scarring—while the non-ulcerative type lacks Hunner lesions and typically involves similar symptoms with less inflammation.
In 2024, the total diagnosed prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis were approximately 3.5 million in the 7MM, reflecting a significant clinical burden.
As per DelveInsight analysis, the US showed the highest number of prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis, accounting for approximately 60% of the of total prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis in the 7MM in 2024.
In 2024, non-ulcerative interstitial cystitis represented over 90% of total cases in the EU4 and the UK, highlighting a clear dominance of this subtype.
Interstitial cystitis poses a significant clinical burden across the 7MM, with the US leading in diagnosed cases and Japan reflecting rising numbers due to an aging population. The condition predominantly affects women and middle-aged adults, with non-ulcerative and moderate cases being most common. These trends highlight the urgent need for better diagnostic tools and more effective, targeted treatments.
DelveInsight’s “Interstitial Cystitis – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of interstitial cystitis historical and forecasted epidemiology in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Interstitial Cystitis: Disease Understanding
Interstitial Cystitis Overview
Interstitial cystitis, is a chronic pelvic condition lasting over six weeks, characterized by bladder-related pain, pressure, or discomfort. It involves ongoing inflammation and urinary symptoms like urgency and frequency, without evidence of infection or another identifiable cause.
Patients often experience bladder or suprapubic pain with an urgent need to urinate, which worsens as the bladder fills and eases temporarily after voiding—leading to frequent day and night urination. Additional symptoms may include burning during urination and sexual discomfort, significantly impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
The pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis is not fully understood, but it involves chronic inflammation, nerve hypersensitivity, mast cell activation, urothelial damage, and GAG layer dysfunction. Inflammatory markers like CRP, TNF-a, and NGF support inflammation as a central mechanism. The condition may manifest with or without visible inflammation, is often linked to autoimmune disorders, and is exacerbated by chronic stress and central sensitization.
Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosis
Interstitial cystitis is primarily diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and by ruling out other urological, gynecological, or infectious conditions. According to AUA guidelines, cystoscopy and urodynamic studies are not mandatory but may be useful in unclear or severe cases. Laboratory tests such as CBC, CMP, urinalysis, and STI screening are typically performed. Hunner ulcers, when present, are considered diagnostic and may warrant targeted treatments like fulguration or steroid injections.
Biomarkers like TNF-a and IL-6 may be elevated, though their diagnostic role is still under review. Cystoscopy with hydrodistension and bladder biopsy can help exclude malignancy, especially in older patients. Glomerulations are nonspecific and not diagnostic on their own. Ultimately, diagnosis is based on persistent symptoms lasting over six weeks, exclusion of other causes, and, when applicable, supportive cystoscopic findings.
Interstitial Cystitis Epidemiology
The interstitial cystitis epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by prevalent cases, total diagnosed prevalent cases, age-specific cases of interstitial cystitis, gender-specific cases, severity-specific cases, type-specific cases, total treated cases of interstitial cystitis patients in the 7MM, covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2020 to 2034.
In 2024, the prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis were approximately 11 million across the 7MM, reflecting its significant disease burden and the pressing need for improved diagnostic tools and more effective treatments.
In 2024, interstitial cystitis cases in the EU4 and the UK were distributed as approximately 50% moderate, 35% mild, and 15% severe, indicating that moderate cases represent the largest share of the clinical burden.
In 2024, the highest burden of interstitial cystitis in the US was seen in the 56–74 age group with approximately 900 thousand cases, followed by ~700 thousand cases in those aged 36–55, highlighting the growing impact among middle-aged and older adults.
In 2024, females represented approximately 60% of interstitial cystitis cases in the US while males accounted for 40% cases. This gender disparity reflects a significantly higher disease burden among women, emphasizing the need for tailored research and treatment strategies.
As per DelveInsight analysis, Japan accounted for approximately 200 thousand diagnosed prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis in 2024, reflecting a considerable disease burden in a population known for its aging demographic.
KOL Views
To gaze into the epidemiology insights of the real world, we take KOLs and SMEs’ opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research on disease incidence.
DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 10+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 10+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as the University of Munich, the University of Tokyo, Brady Urological Institute, and University of Minnesota, etc., and others were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate current disease incidence, gender involved with the disease, diagnosis rate, and diagnostic criteria.
Scope of the Report
The report covers a segment of an executive summary, and a descriptive overview of interstitial cystitis explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis.
Comprehensive insight into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, and disease progression have been provided.
A detailed review of current challenges in establishing diagnosis and diagnosis rate is provided.
Interstitial Cystitis Report Insights
Patient Population
Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution
Interstitial Cystitis Report Key Strengths
Ten-year Forecast
The 7MM Coverage
Interstitial Cystitis Epidemiology Segmentation
Interstitial Cystitis Report Assessment
Epidemiology Segmentation
Current Diagnostic Practices
FAQs
Epidemiology Insights
What are the disease risks, burdens, and unmet needs of interstitial cystitis?
What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM with respect to the patient population pertaining to interstitial cystitis?
What is the historical and forecasted interstitial cystitis patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan?
What is the diagnostic pattern of interstitial cystitis?
Which clinical factors will affect interstitial cystitis?
Which factors will affect the increase in the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis?
Reasons to buy
Insights on disease burden, details regarding diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
To understand the change in interstitial cystitis cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
A detailed overview of prevalent cases, total diagnosed prevalent cases, age-specific cases of interstitial cystitis, gender-specific cases, severity-specific cases, type-specific cases, total treated cases of interstitial cystitis is included.
Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges.
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic pelvic condition characterized by pain, pressure, or discomfort linked to the bladder. It involves persistent inflammation and lower urinary tract symptoms—such as urgency and frequency—without any identifiable infection or clear underlying cause.
Interstitial cystitis is classified into ulcerative and non-ulcerative types. The ulcerative form is defined by the presence of Hunner lesions—reddish erosions with surrounding scarring—while the non-ulcerative type lacks Hunner lesions and typically involves similar symptoms with less inflammation.
In 2024, the total diagnosed prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis were approximately 3.5 million in the 7MM, reflecting a significant clinical burden.
As per DelveInsight analysis, the US showed the highest number of prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis, accounting for approximately 60% of the of total prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis in the 7MM in 2024.
In 2024, non-ulcerative interstitial cystitis represented over 90% of total cases in the EU4 and the UK, highlighting a clear dominance of this subtype.
Interstitial cystitis poses a significant clinical burden across the 7MM, with the US leading in diagnosed cases and Japan reflecting rising numbers due to an aging population. The condition predominantly affects women and middle-aged adults, with non-ulcerative and moderate cases being most common. These trends highlight the urgent need for better diagnostic tools and more effective, targeted treatments.
DelveInsight’s “Interstitial Cystitis – Epidemiology Forecast – 2034” report delivers an in-depth understanding of interstitial cystitis historical and forecasted epidemiology in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Interstitial Cystitis: Disease Understanding
Interstitial Cystitis Overview
Interstitial cystitis, is a chronic pelvic condition lasting over six weeks, characterized by bladder-related pain, pressure, or discomfort. It involves ongoing inflammation and urinary symptoms like urgency and frequency, without evidence of infection or another identifiable cause.
Patients often experience bladder or suprapubic pain with an urgent need to urinate, which worsens as the bladder fills and eases temporarily after voiding—leading to frequent day and night urination. Additional symptoms may include burning during urination and sexual discomfort, significantly impacting emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
The pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis is not fully understood, but it involves chronic inflammation, nerve hypersensitivity, mast cell activation, urothelial damage, and GAG layer dysfunction. Inflammatory markers like CRP, TNF-a, and NGF support inflammation as a central mechanism. The condition may manifest with or without visible inflammation, is often linked to autoimmune disorders, and is exacerbated by chronic stress and central sensitization.
Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosis
Interstitial cystitis is primarily diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and by ruling out other urological, gynecological, or infectious conditions. According to AUA guidelines, cystoscopy and urodynamic studies are not mandatory but may be useful in unclear or severe cases. Laboratory tests such as CBC, CMP, urinalysis, and STI screening are typically performed. Hunner ulcers, when present, are considered diagnostic and may warrant targeted treatments like fulguration or steroid injections.
Biomarkers like TNF-a and IL-6 may be elevated, though their diagnostic role is still under review. Cystoscopy with hydrodistension and bladder biopsy can help exclude malignancy, especially in older patients. Glomerulations are nonspecific and not diagnostic on their own. Ultimately, diagnosis is based on persistent symptoms lasting over six weeks, exclusion of other causes, and, when applicable, supportive cystoscopic findings.
Interstitial Cystitis Epidemiology
The interstitial cystitis epidemiology chapter in the report provides historical as well as forecasted epidemiology segmented by prevalent cases, total diagnosed prevalent cases, age-specific cases of interstitial cystitis, gender-specific cases, severity-specific cases, type-specific cases, total treated cases of interstitial cystitis patients in the 7MM, covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan from 2020 to 2034.
In 2024, the prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis were approximately 11 million across the 7MM, reflecting its significant disease burden and the pressing need for improved diagnostic tools and more effective treatments.
In 2024, interstitial cystitis cases in the EU4 and the UK were distributed as approximately 50% moderate, 35% mild, and 15% severe, indicating that moderate cases represent the largest share of the clinical burden.
In 2024, the highest burden of interstitial cystitis in the US was seen in the 56–74 age group with approximately 900 thousand cases, followed by ~700 thousand cases in those aged 36–55, highlighting the growing impact among middle-aged and older adults.
In 2024, females represented approximately 60% of interstitial cystitis cases in the US while males accounted for 40% cases. This gender disparity reflects a significantly higher disease burden among women, emphasizing the need for tailored research and treatment strategies.
As per DelveInsight analysis, Japan accounted for approximately 200 thousand diagnosed prevalent cases of interstitial cystitis in 2024, reflecting a considerable disease burden in a population known for its aging demographic.
KOL Views
To gaze into the epidemiology insights of the real world, we take KOLs and SMEs’ opinions working in the domain through primary research to fill the data gaps and validate our secondary research on disease incidence.
DelveInsight’s analysts connected with 10+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 10+ KOLs in the 7MM. Centers such as the University of Munich, the University of Tokyo, Brady Urological Institute, and University of Minnesota, etc., and others were contacted. Their opinion helps understand and validate current disease incidence, gender involved with the disease, diagnosis rate, and diagnostic criteria.
Scope of the Report
The report covers a segment of an executive summary, and a descriptive overview of interstitial cystitis explaining its causes, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis.
Comprehensive insight into the epidemiology segments and forecasts, the future growth potential of diagnosis rate, and disease progression have been provided.
A detailed review of current challenges in establishing diagnosis and diagnosis rate is provided.
Interstitial Cystitis Report Insights
Patient Population
Country-wise Epidemiology Distribution
Interstitial Cystitis Report Key Strengths
Ten-year Forecast
The 7MM Coverage
Interstitial Cystitis Epidemiology Segmentation
Interstitial Cystitis Report Assessment
Epidemiology Segmentation
Current Diagnostic Practices
FAQs
Epidemiology Insights
What are the disease risks, burdens, and unmet needs of interstitial cystitis?
What will be the growth opportunities across the 7MM with respect to the patient population pertaining to interstitial cystitis?
What is the historical and forecasted interstitial cystitis patient pool in the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, Spain) and the United Kingdom, and Japan?
What is the diagnostic pattern of interstitial cystitis?
Which clinical factors will affect interstitial cystitis?
Which factors will affect the increase in the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis?
Reasons to buy
Insights on disease burden, details regarding diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
To understand the change in interstitial cystitis cases in varying geographies over the coming years.
A detailed overview of prevalent cases, total diagnosed prevalent cases, age-specific cases of interstitial cystitis, gender-specific cases, severity-specific cases, type-specific cases, total treated cases of interstitial cystitis is included.
Detailed insights on various factors hampering disease diagnosis and other existing diagnostic challenges.
Table of Contents
76 Pages
- 1. Key Insights
- 2. Report Introduction
- 3. Interstitial Cystitis Patient Overview at a Glance
- 3.1. Patient Share Distribution (%) in the 7MM in 2024
- 3.2. Patient Share Distribution (%) in the 7MM in 2034
- 4. Executive Summary
- 5. Epidemiology Forecast Methodology
- 6. Disease Background and Overview
- 6.1. Introduction
- 6.2. Signs and Symptoms
- 6.3. Causes
- 6.4. Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis
- 6.4.1. Diagnostic Algorithm
- 6.4.2. Differential Diagnosis
- 6.4.3. Diagnostic Guidelines
- 7. Epidemiology and Patient Population
- 7.1. Key Findings
- 7.2. Assumptions and Rationale
- 7.3. Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in the 7MM
- 7.4. The United States
- 7.4.1. Prevalent Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in the US
- 7.4.2. Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in the US
- 7.4.3. Age-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in the US
- 7.4.4. Gender-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in the US
- 7.4.5. Severity-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in the US
- 7.4.6. Type-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in the US
- 7.4.7. Total Treated Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in the US
- 7.5. EU4 and the UK
- 7.5.1. Prevalent Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in EU4 and the UK
- 7.5.2. Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in EU4 and the UK
- 7.5.3. Age-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in EU4 and the UK
- 7.5.4. Gender-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in EU4 and the UK
- 7.5.5. Severity-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in EU4 and the UK
- 7.5.6. Type-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in EU4 and the UK
- 7.5.7. Total Treated Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in EU4 and the UK
- 7.6. Japan
- 7.6.1. Prevalent Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in Japan
- 7.6.2. Total Diagnosed Prevalent Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in Japan
- 7.6.3. Age-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in Japan
- 7.6.4. Gender-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in Japan
- 7.6.5. Severity-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in Japan
- 7.6.6. Type-specific Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in Japan
- 7.6.7. Total Treated Cases of Interstitial Cystitis in Japan
- 8. KOL Views
- 9. Appendix
- 9.1. Acronyms and Abbreviations
- 9.2. Bibliography
- 9.3. Report Methodology
- 10. DelveInsight Capabilities
- 11. Disclaimer
- 12. About DelveInsight
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