There is no easy treatment for interstitial cystitis and what works for someone will not work for another. Sometimes it takes a combination of treatments in order to find relief of the interstitial cystitis. Some treatments can be done over the counter while others require a doctor’s intervention.
There are some medications that have been found to be useful in the treatment of interstitial cystitis. One of them is ibuprofen. Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen (Aleve®) work well to block the pain and sense of urgency seen in this condition. Some tricyclic antidepressants, including amitryptyline or imipramine work on the nerves to relax the spasm of the bladder and ease the pain and discomfort. Certain antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or loratidine (Claritin®) reduce the frequency and urgency seen in the condition so that you feel better.
There is a specific drug used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis that is the only known drug approved by the FDA for the management of interstitial cystitis. This is known as pentosan or Elmiron®. It has an unknown mechanism of action but it seems to restore the internal lining of the bladder that helps preserve the bladder and protect it from irritating chemicals that may be causing the spasm and irritation. One of the problems taking the medication is that it can take up to four months for it to take effect and it can cause hair loss and gastrointestinal disturbances. These side effects go away when you stop taking the drug. You cannot take the drug if you are pregnant or nursing.
A TENS unit works fairly well for the relief of pain of interstitial cystitis. A TENS unit sends electrical signals to the bladder to reduce bladder pain and sometimes reduce symptoms of urinary frequency. The wires are placed on the lower back or on the pubic area, where the bladder is, and it blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. A TENS wire can sometimes be introduced into the vagina or inside a man’s rectum in order to achieve relief that is closer to the site of the pain. The TENS unit also improves blood flow to the affected area so that the muscles which control the way the bladder works can be strengthened. It can also cause the release of substances in the body that block the sensation of pain.
Sacral nerve stimulation is also used for the management of interstitial cystitis. It affects the output and input of the sacral nerves so that the feelings of frequency and urgency are blocked. In this procedure, a wire is placed near the sacral nerve area that sends signals to the bladder, similar to a pacemaker. If it works for your symptoms, doctors can implant a permanent device that works to block the pain signals.
Doctors can distend the bladder under anesthesia. Cystoscopy is performed and the doctor adds extra fluid to the bladder to make it bigger, stretching the bladder muscles. It seems to work in some people to relieve their symptoms and can be repeated as often as necessary, especially if the treatment seems to work for awhile.
dmso cancer can be instilled inside the bladder via a catheter. A local anesthetic can be put in there as well. It is kept in the bladder for about fifteen minutes and then it is expelled. It works well to block the muscle contractions associated with urgency and frequency of urination. Inflammation is controlled as well. The treatments are done weekly for up to eight weeks and the effect lasts for up to a single year with some maintenance treatments required.
