Read the latest news about IC/BPS and pelvic pain, in-depth expert interviews, the latest research, self-help tips, diet ideas and more in the ICN blog.
When my second child was born and decided sleep at night was optional, I also had a 3-year-old who needed me throughout the day. Many nights, I had small amounts of sleep. I blearily remember those days. And one of my memories from that time includes an article on healthy ways new moms can [...]
Do men and women experience IC the same or differently? Understanding how male and female IC patients differ can help healthcare providers provide better treatment and help patients receive more effective care based upon their unique needs. Yet, only a handful of studies have looked at gender in IC treatment and experiences. A recent [...]
As the hot days of summer linger on, we are all looking for ways to stay cool. Diving into the water seems like a great place to start. But, swimming with IC/BPS is something many patients are hesitant about. However, being in water has many benefits, including that the buoyancy of water can support [...]
(Editors Note 2: After the publication of this article, we received our first call from a Vietnam veteran with proven agent orange exposure who developed IC shortly after his military service. We are committed to helping our active duty and veterans who are struggling. Please don't hesitate to give Jill a call (800-928-7496) if you [...]
We, in the IC/BPS community, know the dangers of artificial, non-sugar sweeteners. Nutrasweet (aka aspartame) is a well known bladder irritant that can trigger agonizing pain. A growing number of studies have found significant and potentially life threatening dangers, so much so that the World Health Organization’s cancer agency is considering listing aspartame as [...]
We were recently contacted by an IC/BPS patient whose urine contained bright, red blood. She had been bleeding several days a week for months yet an examination of her bladder found perfectly normal tissue. Obviously, the blood had to have been coming from somewhere, most likely her kidneys, but this brings up an important [...]
With a new school year approaching, children and teens with IC/BPS might be anxious and uncertain. Will they be given restroom access? Will they have teachers who support them? Will they make new friends and fit in? Will the bus ride be comfortable? Your goal as a parent is to nurture and inspire them. [...]
Researchers at the Emory Eye Center (Atlanta, GA) studying retinal eye disease have made another remarkable finding, that some IC/BPS patients using pentosan polysulfate (PPS, Elmiron®) are struggling with inflammatory bowel disease, some so severe that colectomy (removal of a section of the colon) was required.(1) Elmiron® is the only FDA approved medication for [...]
Warm, summer weather encourages us to get outside and be more active. But what about when it's sweltering outside? Whether you live in a hot and humid climate year-round or just part of the year, figuring out how to safely workout in the heat is important. Exercise releases endorphins that help reduce pain. It [...]
The Agony of Cranberry For anyone struggling with urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency, pressure and/or pain), the first suggestion they often hear from well meaning family members and friends is to drink cranberry juice. And, perhaps for a patient struggling with recurring UTI's, cranberry may have some benefit (more on that later) but for the IC/BPS, Hunner's lesion or [...]
