This article concerns a survey conducted to determine the origin and history of interstitial cystitis. Information was elicited from 565 patients on demographics, risk factors symptoms, pain, and psychological factors. All those surveyed satisfied the National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) criteria for interstitial cystitis and have been diagnosed as having the disorder. Comparison of risk factors was made with a control group of 171 individuals, consisting of healthy individuals over 18 years old and of adults attending urology clinics for bladder disorders unrelated to interstitial cystitis.