How the Interstitial Cystitis Network Can Help
Learn About IC/BPS
Newly diagnosed with IC/BPS? Using videos, text and apps, we’ll teach you about how IC is diagnosed, the symptoms, the six step treatment protocol, natural treatments, new subtypes, the role of the pelvic floor muscles, how to prevent and manage flares, the IC diet, how to find an IC specialist, related conditions, pregnancy and IC and much more!
Get Support
The ICN has the oldest and most trusted on-line patient support community where millions of patients have asked questions, made friends and found hope. It’s entirely free. You’ll find discussions on diagnosis, treatments, flare management, pain control, success stories, pregnancy and much more!
Find A Specialist
If you’ve struggled to find medical care providers knowledgeable about IC, you are not alone. The ICN Find A Specialist Database lists urologists, urogynecologists, physical therapists and dietitians who work with IC and pelvic pain patients. Search by State, Town or Zip Code.
Clinical Trials
Aquinox Leadership 301 Study – Seeks Men and Women with IC/BPS in most USA states and Canadian provinces, as well as Denmark, Hungary, Czech, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Spain and the UK. Click here to learn more!
Concerned About Your Health Care
Patients are deeply worried about health care coverage changes. We must speak out!We must speak out now!
If you’re worried about your health care under Trump, you are not alone. Anxiety is growing as cuts to Medicaid and other services are proposed. IC & Health Care Activists are needed more than ever! LEARN MORE!
Elmiron No Longer Covered?
The only FDA approved medication for IC has been dropped off of several insurance drug plans. Many patients simply can't afford it.Prices Have Skyrocketed
Don’t be ashamed if you can no longer afford some IC treatments. Learn about:
- Drug Assistance Programs
- OTC Supplements Are Available
- Ten Money Saving Tips
Struggling with Pain?
AUA Guidelines for IC/BPS state that pain management should be an integral part of treatment.IC Pain Is Real & Treatable
Research studies have proven that IC pain is similar to cancer and should be treated promptly. Your goal should also be to treat the source of the pain, be it the bladder wall, muscles, nerves, bowel or nerves. LEARN MORE!
Research & Clinical Trials
New IC/BPS Phenotyping System Proposed – From UPOINT to INPUT
The UPOINT System for the Clinical Phenotyping of Chronic Pelvic Pain by Nickel, Shoskes and Racily was the first proposed subtyping system for chronic pelvic and bladder pain. It asked physicians to look at and beyond the bladder [...]
Patients Report Opiate Pain Medication Their Most Effective Treatment of IC/BPS
Do Patients Perceptions Of Treatment Success or Failure Match Clinical Trial Results? They don’t. When the American Urological Association created their Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment for IC/BPS in 2011 they ranked their [...]
MAPP Research Network Study Finds That Fungus In Urine Might Be Linked To Urgency and Pain
One of the most promising lines of research in urology today is the study of the biome, the diverse population of bacteria and fungi that live harmoniously in the human body. In previous MAPP [...]
News & Feature Stories
Pelvic Pain Conferences Brings National Experts To Colorado In September
Bridge For Pelvic Pain Conference In September 2017 The Bridge For Pelvic Pain is welcoming chronic pelvic pain patients and providers to their annual conference. Learn about chronic pelvic, sexual and genital pain, and [...]
My Uterine Cancer Scare – Hormone Replacement Therapy Carries Risks
Last Spring, I announced that I was having an emergency surgery for possible uterine cancer. It was May 23, 2017 and I was terrified. Absolutely, completely and totally terrified that they would find active [...]
Medical Organizations Swiftly Reject TrumpCare Passage
The sudden and swift passage of TrumpCare yesterday as created turmoil in patient groups around the USA. By leaving in an option in the bill that would allow states to apply for a waiver [...]
Diet and Nutrition Tips
IC Diet Project – Fresh Blueberries Are In Season! Our Favorite Blueberry Love Recipes!
One of the best parts of summer are the fresh blueberries available. When it comes to low acid and bladder friendly foods, you can't go wrong with recipes that are focused on this luscious [...]
The Bella Rosa Coffee Company produces remarkably low acid coffees – A new coffee option
If you miss your coffee and are frustrated with its ability to irritate your bladder or gut, we have three new, exciting ones for you to try from The Bella Rosa Coffee Company. For many [...]
IC Diet Project – Mexican Food Can Be Very Bladder Friendly
While everyone’s familiar with tacos and enchiladas, there’s really much more to Mexican cuisine than the blazing hot, spicy fast food we see advertised every day. Many traditional Mexican foods, though not familiar fare in [...]
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September is IC Awareness Month
Testimonials
Not only do I want to thank you & your team for everything that you do but I wanted to thank you personally. You took the time to talk to me for over an hour. You brightened my day when I was feeling hopeless. It’s such a comfort to know you & the ICN are there for support.
I suffered with IC and PFD for about 8 years before I found a doctor who believed me and is treating me. Over those 8 years you and the IC Network were my life line and an amazing source of strength and hope and continue to be. Thank you so much for all you did and continue to do.
I firmly believe that the Interstitial Cystitis Network has educated me more than any doctor or nurse. At times I think I’ve intimidated my doctors by the knowledge I’ve gained from the site. Your site definitely empowers all of us who suffer with this horrible disease.
I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the ICN and you over 12 years ago when I finally found out what was wrong with me!! I think you are doing Gods work for so many!
The ICN videos are EXTREMELY helpful, if not LIFE CHANGING. Extremely smart, well researched information. EVERY urologist office should have a big flyer advertising this website. Thank you so much for what you do!!”
I really wanted to let you know how helpful the ICN website is. Having IC has been rough, but I have learned so much from your site (good tips, info, coping strategies). Way more than I ever learned from my uro! I know my symptoms have improved partly due to things I have learned from your site. Keep up the good work!
I watched a few of your videos on YouTube – on behalf of a friend who says he has suffered excruciating pain and discomfort for years. We’ve gained from your references. I just wanted to thank you for your such consummately sensible, humane help to so many others…. You are producing guidance that is clear, relevant, down-to-earth, useful and good-hearted.
I will never be able to thank you enough for getting me through so many horrible times. I go into remission for years at a time so I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. However, I’ve had a few flares in the past couple of months and I always know who to turn to in the middle of the night.Your site is better than a heating pad.
I don’t know how I would have made it thus far without all of you wonderful people. Just knowing I am not alone is the best relief I could have ever asked for. If I get scared, am hurting, or just need comfort, I know you are always there.
I’m SO excited about the information in your food app. I am encouraged now I can live a normal life and eat again.. Thank you for your website. – September 2015
I want to thank you for that day you gave me hope ….the day we spoke I had been in constant pain for so long and taking such strong pain meds I was ready to end my life. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t taken the time to guide me through the next step in my journey to find a solution to the suffering…
Fabulous, amazingly helpful website, I’m so grateful it exists. Thanks for all the hard work that went into it.
