Read the latest interstitial cystitis news here!

The diagnosis of interstitial cystitis has changed in recent years to include less invasive methods such as the PUF questionnaire and KCL test! Learn about more methods here!

Research has shown that the earlier you diagnose and treat IC, the better chance you have to control IC. We're classifying mild IC as someone with just frequency or urgency (no pain) who have occasional flares. These are the easiest, least invasive therapies usually used first! They are the foundation of therapy for most patients. For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook.

We're classifying moderate interstitial cystitis as patients who experience episodes of frequency/urgency/pressure or pain. They may have diagnosed pelvic floor dysfunction as well. The therapies listed below may be used IN ADDITION to the therapies used for mild IC. Many patients find results using a combination of therapies, such as a low dose antihistamine and rescue instillations. For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook.

We're classifying severe interstitial cystitis (IC/PBS) as someone who has had IC symptoms for an extended period of time and has constant frequency, urgency, pressure or pain. These patients may be using a combination of mild and/or moderate therapies. The far more invasive treatments listed below can be tried if the mild or moderate therapies don't work. For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook.

Experimental therapies for interstitial cystitis (IC/PBS) are those currently being explored in research studies around the world. Their clinical trial results may not be available or are the result of a smaller, less credible study. We've included antibiotics in this discussion area because the role of bacteria in IC remains controversial at best. We have little conclusive evidence that IC is bacterial in nature.

Very FEW patients actually have end stage IC (the most severe form of IC) but for those that do, their bladders can have major issues. They may also have conditions impacting their bladders unrelated to IC. For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook. Patients newly diagnosed with IC should NOT worry that they will develop this worst form of IC. Most patients with end stage IC received little, if any, therapy for IC for a long period of time. Before attempting any of these potentially life altering procedures, end stage patients should have have attempted MOST (if not ALL) of the therapies for mild, moderate and severe IC listed above, as well as the current experimental therapies available! Don't forget the importance of pelvic floor assessments and treatments as well. It would be tragic to remove your bladder when the problem was primarily from the surrounding muscle instead. BE AS PROACTIVE AS YOU CAN! Don't let desperation lead you to an extreme therapy if you still haven't tried some of the more mild therapies first!

For more information on these treatments, please visit the ICN Patient Handbook.

Discuss all things related to the IC diet here!

An interstitial cystitis flare is a familiar and frustrating part of life with IC. Often the result of diet or romance, flares can be reduced and eliminated with several strategies.

Are you struggling with health insurance? Don't have insurance?? Looking for drug assistance programs??

This section of the ICN Forum is dedicated to Michaeleen Franklin, the longest running IC support group leader in the USA. We honor her memory, her compassion, her wisdom and her support of patients in the Southwestern USA for more than twenty years.