Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis

Specific treatment for IC will be determined by your physician based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the disease
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Currently, there is no specific way to diagnose IC, and no cure for IC, making it difficult to treat. Thus, treatments are primarily focused on relieving symptoms, and may include:

• Bladder distension-a procedure aimed at increasing bladder capacity and interfering with pain signals that are being transmitted by the nerve cells in the bladder.
• Bladder instillation (also called a bladder wash or bath.)-the bladder is filled with a solution that is held for varying periods of time, from a few seconds to 15 minutes, before being drained through a catheter.
• medication
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)-mild, electric pulses enter the body for minutes to hours two or more times a day either through wires placed on the lower back, or through special devices inserted into the vagina in women or into the rectum in men.
• Bladder training-patient voids at designated times and uses relaxation techniques and distractions to help keep to the schedule. Gradually, the patient tries to lengthen the time between the scheduled voids.
• Surgery

Management of IC may also include:

• Diet modification - no scientific evidence links diet to IC, but some physicians and patients believe that alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, and high-acid foods may contribute to bladder inflammation. Thus, eliminating these substances from the diet may help to eliminate some symptoms.
• Smoking - smoking is a major known cause of bladder cancer.
• Exercise - exercise may help relieve symptoms or hasten remission.