Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome is a chronic and progressive disease of the lower urinary tract, characterized by chronic pelvic pain, urinary frequency and urgency. The selection of appropriate treatment methods and effective management of the symptoms are of great importance in this syndrome which has a negative effect on patients’ quality of life, sexual and mental well-being and which interferes with daily activities of the individual. The purpose of this review is to provide nurses with updated information on interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and to elucidate the nurses’ role and the methods used in the management of the symptoms which negatively affect patients’ lives.