Table 1.

Cardinal Features of Chronic Functional Anorectal and Urogynecological Disorders

Disorders are diagnosed by symptoms, supplemented by objective findings in interstitial cystitis

Predominant symptom is discomfort or pain; patients may also have dysfunctional voiding or defecation

Frequently associated with impaired quality of life, anxiety, and depression

Pathophysiology is barely studied and poorly understood; visceral hypersensitivity and pelvic floor dysfunction may play a role

Therapy is guided by clinical features. Therapeutic approaches have not been rigorously tested in clinical trials