Interstitial Cystitis

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Treatment Options Available for IC/PBS...

Treatment of IC/PBS is individualized for each patient and is primarily based upon the diagnosis and the specific complex of symptoms. Additionally, other problems like spasm of the pelvic muscles may be found and need to be treated along with your bladder condition. Treatments are, therefore, quite varied. They may include:

  • Dietary Changes
  • Behavior modification
  • Herbal Therapies
  • Acupuncture
  • Antibiotic therapy
  • Bladder "coating" agents
  • Anti-inflammatory agents
  • Urinary anesthetics
  • Alpha blockers
  • Antispasmodic agents for bladder
  • Skeletal muscle relaxants
  • Antihistamines
  • Antiseizure agents (many agents in this group are indicated for "neuropathic pain")
  • Antidepressant therapy (many agents in this group are indicated for "neuropathic pain")
  • "Atypical opioids"
  • Narcotic Therapy (generally dispensed by Pain Management Centers)
  • Medications instilled directly into the bladder (called "intravesical therapy")
  • Physical Therapy
  • Trigger point injection to affected muscle group(s)
  • Nerve blocks
  • Neuromodulation (not FDA approved for IC/PBS, but approved for "urgency-frequency syndrome")
  • Botox® injection to pelvic floor (Botox® is not FDA approved for this purpose)
  • Urethral suppository placement
  • Fulguration (burning with laser or electrocautery) of bladder lesions
  • Surgical reconstruction

A Special Note:All IC/PBS patients are strongly encouraged to become members of the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA), a non-profit organization: www.ichelp.org. This is a group of incredible individuals dedicated to improving the lives of those afflicted with this condition. They lobby for NIH (National Institutes of Health) research dollars, independently generate research funds, disseminate current information about IC/PBS, and even provide telephone support services for patients.

ICA
110 North Washington Street, Suite 340
Rockville, MD 20850
800-HELP-ICA/ 301-610-5300
Fax (301) 610-5308
icamail@ichelp.org