Interstitial cystitis is a painful condition in which a person experiences discomfort or pain in the bladder and pelvic region. There are several synonyms for interstitial cystitis, including painful bladder syndrome, bladder pain syndrome, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, hypersensitive bladder syndrome, and recurrent lower urinary tract infections. All of these synonyms describe a condition in which a person experiences frequent and intense urinary urgency and discomfort. Some use the term painful bladder syndrome to describe the condition because it highlights the painful aspects of the condition, while others use the term hypersensitive bladder syndrome to focus on the sensitivity of the bladder. Whatever term is used to describe the condition, those who suffer from it know how challenging it can be to deal with on a day-to-day basis.