A comparative study of subjective outcomes following intravesical treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC) is lacking in the literature. Furthermore, an objective measure to determine the efficacy of intravesical treatment for interstitial cystitis has yet to be defined. Change in bladder capacity following therapy has been investigated; however, a formal statistical analysis of its utility in determining efficacy has yet to be performed. The primary objective of this prospective, randomized study is to determine whether there is a significant difference in subjective improvement in IC symptoms in women with newly diagnosed IC when treated with either dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or bupivacaine, triamcinolone, and heparin (BTH) instillations. The secondary objective is to determine whether change in bladder capacity can be used as an objective measure of response to intravesical therapy for newly diagnosed interstitial cystitis. Our long-term goals are to improve the scientific understanding of therapy for interstitial cystitis, to improve patient counseling prior to initiation of treatment, and to better identify patients likely to receive inadequate relief of symptoms following intravesical treatment so that an alternative treatment can be pursued.

Inclusion Criteria:

• newly diagnosed interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of pelvic radiation, a history of bladder cancer, or a history of bladder resection

Patients, investigators, and outcomes assessors were blinded to treatment patients received