Given the high number of interstitial cystitis patients who suffer from vulvodynia (and/or prostatodynia in men), we think it's important to share related research studies and clinical trials that you might be able to participate in! Vulvodynia is one of the most frustrating conditions that I, for one, had to manage at a comparatively young [...]
Just received this fabulous letter from the US Army! It was an honor to serve, for the third year, as the consumer reviewer for the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) sponsored by the US Department of Defense. Each year, prominent scientists and consumer reviewers gather to evaluate hundreds of research applications to determine how [...]
Interstitial cystitis and endometriosis are collectively known as the "evil twins" for their frequent co-existence in many patients. In early 2013, I noticed that the Endometriosis Association was promoting an all natural product for pain relief to their membership. ProSirona is a simple, topical treatment developed to reduce pain, promote muscle relaxation and blood flow [...]
When Wendy Cohan RN wrote the Better Bladder Book, she was the first to suggest a connection between wheat and interstitial cystitis. Given the fact that many IC patients struggle with irritable bowel syndrome as well as other obscure food sensitivities, this study offers insight into what may be going on. Some, but not all, [...]
Ever wonder how your urologist stays up to date on the latest treatments? The motivated ones visit the annual American Urological Association conference, a gathering of more than 20,000 domestic and international urologists and residents. This years conference (AUA 2013) was held in May in San Diego (CA), a lovely setting for often serious discussions [...]
This is the first of two clinical trial announcements released by the ICN today, both featuring clinical trials for interstitial cystitis. This first study is evaluating the use of LiRIS in the treatment of Hunner's lesions, aka ulcers. Early LiRIS pain studies found that some Hunner's ulcers were responding to treatment, a result we have [...]
TARIS Biomedical® has initiated a second Phase 2 study investigating LiRIS in women with Interstitial Cystitis. LiRIS is designed to continuously provide lidocaine over an extended period in the bladder. You may be able to participate! The study is currently active at 13 study centers across the United States and one in Canada, and will [...]
(By Jill Osborne) The long awaited new clinical guidelines for the treatment of interstitial cystitis (aka bladder pain syndrome) were released by the American Urology Association (AUA) this month, offering what may be the most comprehensive clinical care article written to date in the USA. Solidly written, it offers new insight into diagnostic testing as [...]
Men struggling with prostatitis should take note of this important study, the first of its kind demonstrating that prostate and pelvic pain patients struggle with more intense symptoms after consuming certain foods and beverages, particularly spicy and carbonated foods. A total of 95 men with prostatitis completed a survey that assessed their reaction, if any, [...]
An Interview with Dr. Robert Echenberg After three decades as a traditional gynecologist, Robert Echenberg (Institute for Women In Pain, Bethlehem PA) was given an usual challenge, to develop a chronic pelvic pain program that utilized non-surgical therapies. Little did he know that he would lead a revolution that is changing the way IC and [...]
