Have you been diagnosed with IC/BPS?
If you are a female between the ages of 18 and 85, with urinary frequency, urgency and pelvic discomfort or pain for at least six months, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study. IC/BPS affects 15 to 24 percent of adult women and has a significant impact on quality of life.
The goal of this study is to compare the results of bladder directed therapy (bladder instillations) versus non-bladder physical therapy.
Study Information
The study is open to women between the ages of 18 and 85 who have been diagnosed with IC/BPS. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of twice weekly bladder directed therapy (bladder instillations) in comparison to non-bladder therapy. Study participants are randomly assigned to treatment groups, meaning you cannot choose the treatment you receive. Randomization is like “the flip of a coin”.
Screening for eligibility initially involves a phone call. If initial eligibility criteria are met, you will be scheduled for two screening visits, which will include:
- medical history
- physical exam
- pelvic floor assessment
- pelvic floor EMG (electromyography)
- cystoscopy
- urinating/symptom diary
- questionnaires
What is expected of me?
If you meet the criteria to be included in the study, you will be scheduled to have:
- twice weekly treatment sessions for eight weeks
- two follow up appointments
- phone or mail monitoring every six months, up to five times after treatment completion
You will be assigned randomly to the bladder instillation (via urinary catheter) or non-bladder therapy group.
Any treatment will be at no cost to you, and there is no compensation for study participation.
Total expected study duration – up to three and a half years.
