What condition is characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections and bladder pain?

The condition characterized by recurrent urinary tract infections and bladder pain is interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome. This disorder is marked by chronic pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and urinary frequency and urgency.

Patients with interstitial cystitis often report symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection, such as increased urgency and frequency of urination, but they do not typically have a bacterial infection. The pain can vary in intensity and can be exacerbated by factors like stress, certain foods, and drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.

While bladder cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and urinary tract obstruction can also cause urinary symptoms, they do not specifically involve the combination of recurrent infections and bladder pain as seen in interstitial cystitis. Bladder cancer is more often associated with hematuria (blood in urine), benign prostatic hyperplasia relates to urinary flow obstruction due to prostate enlargement, and urinary tract obstruction usually leads to retention and potential incontinence rather than the specific pain typical of interstitial cystitis. Therefore, interstitial cystitis is the correct answer for the combination of recurrent urinary infections and bladder pain.