What Are IC Treatments?

There is a common perception that there are few treatments for interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. From natural therapies to oral medications, bladder treatments to neuromodulation, there are many options available. The challenge is finding the treatment that works with your unique case of IC/BPS.  Bladder therapies do NOT work for many patients. Why? Because their symptoms are often the result of a pelvic floor muscle, nerve dysfunction or other disorders of the pelvis.

AUA Guideline Treatment Protocol

In 2022, the American Urological Association revised their Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of IC that will help patients find the best treatments for their unique case of IC. AUA no longer considers IC a “bladder disease” but rather a “chronic pelvic pain syndrome,” Why? Because many patients have normal bladders and have outside of the bladder triggering their symptoms and pain, such as tight pelvic floor muscles and/or nerve dysfunction.

The 2022 new guidelines acknowledge that there are (at least) three distinct patient groups, each with their own treatment priorities. Yes, they aren’t using the five or nine subtypes more recently proposed but this is a good start for our national, yet quite conservative organization. These include:

  1. Bladder Centric – Patients who have Hunner’s lesions, pain as the bladder fills with urine or smaller bladder capacity. This can also include patients who have estrogen atrophy (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) and chemo cystitis.
  2. Pelvic Floor Centric – Patients with tight, sensitive pelvic floor muscles.
  3. Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions – These patients have multiple pain conditions, including: IC, IBS, vulvodynia, fibromyalgia, TMJ and others.

The treatments are no longer listed in six, ordered steps to give doctors the flexibility to provide specific treatments more promptly. For example, they recommend that all patients with tight, sensitive pelvic floor muscles be immediately referred to a pelvic floor physical therapist. Similarly, if Hunner’s lesions are found, they too should be treated immediately rather than waiting several months.

Should you expect your doctor to know about these treatment guidelines? No. Many doctors are unaware of this  national standard and/or may be treating IC out of old text books. Please bring a copy of these guidelines with you for your doctor!

Treatment Approach

  • No single treatment works over time for the majority of patients. Treatment should be tailored to the specific symptoms (phenotype/ subtype) of each patient.
  • Pain Management is an integral part of IC therapy and should be assessed at every appointment and treated with a variety of therapies.
  • If a patient is not responding to multiple treatments, the diagnosis of IC/BPS should be reconsidered. If bladder therapies are not effective and/or a patient is getting worse rather than better, the AUA strongly recommends reconsidering the diagnosis. Was something missed? Is another condition present that could be producing pelvic and/or urinary symptoms, such as: endometriosis, fibroid tumors, pelvic congestion syndrome, tarlov cyst, pudendal neuralgia or coccyx injury?

AUA Strong Recommendations

Self Help & Natural Methods

Oral Therapy Options

Bladder Instillation Options

Procedures

Major Surgery

Other Therapies

Discontinued Therapies

OTC Neutraceuticals & Supplements

In Step One of the AUA Guidelines, the use of OTC neutraceuticals is encouraged. Though they do not recommend brand names, several supplements are routinely suggested by practicing clinicians. The key ingredients to look for are chondroitin, which is believed to have a bladder coating effect, combined with quercetin for its antihistaminic effect. (Read the ICN Supplement Guide here!) There are several supplements now available, including:

Suggested Reading

  • Clemens JQ, Erickson DR, Varela NP et al: Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. J Urol 2022. Read them here!

References for Professionals

Author: Jill H. Osborne MA
Revised: July 6, 2022 – JHO