One of the easiest ways for patients to try to reduce their bladder and prostate discomfort is by removing foods which are high in acid, alcohol or hot spices. Even one cup of coffee day, one green tea or one soda can trigger severe bladder irritation and discomfort. Worse, that daily acid wash may prevent [...]
In 2011, the first standardized protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of IC was released by the American Urological Association. This provides a six step treatment plan that minimizes the risk of side effects and, surprisingly, also reduces costs. If your doctor suggests surgery (Step 6), Botox (Step 5) or neuromodulation (Step 4) as a [...]
Interstitial cystitis is not a rare condition. New epidemiological studies revealed that three to eight million women in the USA and one to four million men with IC may have symptoms of interstitial cystitis. That could be as many as one out of every 26 people in the USA. It's obviously many more million around [...]
The most exciting time of the year for the IC community, IC Awareness Month, begins September first as patients around the world unite to educate others about IC. We need to reach those patients who are suffering in silence and give them hope. We need to educate doctors who are still treating IC out of [...]
The IC Optimist is the ICN's quarterly patient and professional magazine dedicated to all things IC and pelvic pain. Subscriptions are available for just $25 per year via email of $50 per year to have a printed copy mailed to you. This issue is also available for single purchase (print or electronic pdf.) Proceeds are [...]
Gaye & Andrew Sandler have released their first new book in a decade for men, women & children struggling with IC and its many related conditions. What sets this husband and wife team apart from so many other authors who have written about interstitial cystitis is their focus on patient comfort. In The Proactive Patient: Managing [...]