Please click on the highlighted link to go directly to each article.
A MUST READ for: newly diagnosed or those unsure of IC diagnosis
An excellent interview with Dr. Matt Rosenberg, presented by the IC Network, discussing the importance of early diagnosis, the newest diagnostic methods and treatments, and offers some interesting thoughts about IC.
A MUST READ for patients AND their physicians not familiar with IC
Hydrodistention NOT needed for diagnosis
An important consideration for patients and their physicians regarding hydrodistentions. A "a rare and devastating complication" can arise. It was also determined that a hydrodistention was no longer necessary for diagnosis of IC.
A demonstration of the role of the bladder lining in IC
Presented by allaboutic.com, this video gives a brief explanation and demonstration of the role of a defective bladder lining found in IC.
Discussion on the role of the bladder lining in IC patients
The urothelium (bladder lining) plays a pivotal role as a barrier between urine and its solutes and the underlying bladder. In IC, disruption of the urothelial barrier may initiate a cascade of events in the bladder, leading to symptoms and disease.
Study on the success of Heparin bladder instillations
The objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of a new intravesical therapeutic solution in relieving urgency/frequency and pain in interstitial cystitis (IC).
Interview with Dr. Theohardies offered by ICN (November 2005)
Dr. Theohardies, who has been a prominent IC researcher, speaks with Jill Osborne, president of IC Network, about the success of quercetin, glucosamine, and chondroitin in reducing bladder inflammation and restoring bladder mucus.
Study on the benefits of Desert Harvest aloe vera capsules
The primary objective of the study was to monitor the safety and efficacy of Desert Harvest's aloe vera capsules in the management of the symptoms of IC/PBS, based on promising anecdotal findings from IC patients.
Recent IC patient survey fact sheet
A survey of 589 IC patients was conducted in honor of the first annual IC Awareness Day on October 31, 2007, by Ortho Women's Health and Urology along with the National Association of Nurse Practitioner's in Women's Health.
Integrative Medicine (IM) - a new approach to medicine
IM depends on a partnership between the patient and the doctor, where the goal is to treat the mind, body and spirit, all at the same time. This approach looks to treat the whole person, not just the disease.
How emotional experience determines your health
The ACE Study found that adverse emotional experience was the biggest single factor in predicting adult health. There’s now solid science behind the correlation of emotional experience and . . . chronic pain. Very, very few women’s health problems are just about a physical problem.
New study on how our thoughts affect our pain
Neuroscientists are discovering new ways that your brain can outwit your pain. The power of our thoughts is proving to be a very important factor in this! You can actually shut down the signals that are responsible for pain by doing relaxation exercises such as guided imagery, meditation, etc.
Thoughts on chronic pain management
Article by a physician who specializes in pain management. Chronic pain is a problem that ruins lives. A problem-solving attitude is very important in chronic pain management.
Excerpts from A Headache in the Pelvis
It is the author's understanding that chronic pelvic pain syndrome begins with a person’s habit of focusing tension in the muscles of the pelvis. This tendency sets the stage for the disorder. They believe that anxiety plays a large role in this.
Many women operate in an ever-present state of low anxiety. Research has established that all anxiety has a real, physiological cause that is just as important to treat. Anxiety is usually a learned behavior that can be unlearned!
Depression in Women and alternative treatments
Many forms of depression are natural, normal and temporary. Likewise, they can be relieved through safe, gradual methods using your body’s natural mechanisms. The real biology of depression is probably complex, arguing for a holistic solution.
Discussion and explanation regarding InterStim Therapy
Sometimes the communication between the brain and the bladder is disrupted. Through sacral nerve stimulation this communication may be restored, thus reducing the bladder urgency, frequency and at times, pelvic pain.
