Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is characterized by a constellation of bladder symptoms. In this article, we review ways in which symptom reports have defined and diagnosed IC/PBS. We also critically evaluate methods for symptom elicitation that have been used by researchers and practitioners and examine how different modes of asking questions, quality of measures, interviewer types, and symptom inclusion criteria may lead to variability in symptom reports across studies. To develop psychometrically sound measures, we recommend conducting formative research with patients in whom IC/PBS has been diagnosed to assess how they describe their symptoms. Such measures should be subject to validation testing to examine whether they successfully identify patients with IC/PBS, differentiate patients with IC/PBS from those with other similar conditions, and provide descriptive information that furthers our understanding of the condition. Valid and reliable items emerging from this process can be used to examine IC/PBS symptom prevalence in epidemiologic studies.