Drug Assistance Programs Can Help Patients Struggling To Pay For Treatment There is no doubt that the cost of treating interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome are increasing. Elmiron®, the only FDA approved oral medication for IC, can cost some patients more than $1500 per month. (Elmiron® is now linked to retinal disease and blindness). [...]
There is no doubt that stress can trigger an increase in our symptoms, aka an IC flare. Physical stressors (traveling, holding urine for a long period of time or exposure to extreme heat or cold) can trigger pain and discomfort, often in the form of pelvic floor tension and spasms. Emotional stress (arguments, a death [...]
In the 2022 AUA Treatment Guidelines, major surgery (cystoplasty, cystectomy) is rarely suggested as a treatment for IC/BPS and only in a very small, select group of patients who have exhausted all other therapies and whose symptoms are directly caused by the bladder. Neuropathic pain, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction will not improve with surgery. It is best [...]
Pelvic floor dysfunction (aka hypertonic, tense muscles) is now a distinct subtype of IC/BPS. The challenge is that most urologists have not received training in pelvic floor myalgia and tension. Some patients and doctors still don't believe that tight pelvic floor muscles can trigger urinary symptoms and pain. Symptoms Patients with pelvic floor dysfunction may [...]
What's New in 2022 AUA Guidelines In 2022, the American Urological Association revised their Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of IC that will help patients find the best treatments for their unique case of IC. AUA no longer considers IC a “bladder disease” but rather a “chronic pelvic pain syndrome.” Why? Because many patients [...]
Hunner's lesions represent a distinct, small patient group with an estimated 5 - 10% of patients diagnosed with IC/BPS. Lesions (aka Hunner's ulcers) are areas of intense inflammation on the bladder wall that often bleed profusely. Patients can experience often severe urinary frequency, urgency and pain. What causes Hunner's lesions? One of the great mysteries [...]
Interstitial cystitis is a pelvic pain condition that affects millions around the world. In the USA, epidemiological studies suggest that three to eight million women in the USA and one to four million men with IC may have symptoms of interstitial cystitis, as many as one out of every 26 people. Interstitial cystitis has been [...]
Memes are a humorous way to educate others about IC and help us to raise awareness across multiple social networking platforms! Our first place winner is Mira K whose meme will make any IC patient laugh because it's absolutely true! The question, of course, is can we ignore that niggling urge to pee? Hmmm?? Nope! [...]
We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 IC Awareness Month poster contest. This was our second year under COVID and, as a result, our compaign was simplified. Winning posters engage their audience. They allow patients to use art to contribute to this vital cause, educating our communities about life with IC. This [...]
IC Awareness Month doesn't rely on one person, one group or one organization. In fact, it's driven by hundreds of patients who believe that more people need to learn about IC and understand the needs of patients who are struggling. This campaign is modeled after Women's Health Week, the goal of which is to give [...]
