**2. Results**

## *2.1. Patient Characteristics*

In Table 1, the baseline demographics and clinical characteristics of 62 patients with IC/BPS are compared between the Mix and Control groups, including 51 female and 11 male patients (female/male = 5:1), with a median age of 47 [26, 78] years. The median daytime frequency of urination and nocturia per 24 h were 25 [13, 40] and 5 [1, 13] times, respectively. Moreover, the participants' voided volume per micturition and functional bladder capacity were apparently decreased from normal individuals. Further, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the Mix and Control groups.

**Table 1.** Baseline characteristics of the participants.



**Table 1.** *Cont.*

BMI: body mass index; QoL: quality of life; VAS: visual analogue scale; PUF: pelvic pain and urgency/frequency patient symptom score; ICSI: O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index; ICPI: O'Leary-Sant Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index.
