September marks Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Awareness Month. As we approach the end of this month, it’s essential to highlight a bladder condition that impacts millions of Americans, including several of my friends. Unlike the common cold, IC isn’t easy to treat, but there are natural methods that might help.
IC is a bladder disorder characterized by chronic pelvic pain, an urgent need to urinate frequently—even up to 50 times a day, pain during bladder filling with relief after urinating, and discomfort during sex. The symptoms can vary, sometimes coming in waves with periods of relief, or they might be constant. Often, the symptoms resemble a urinary tract infection (UTI), but without any bacterial cause, meaning antibiotics don’t help. While both men and women can be affected, it’s more prevalent in women.
There’s no cure for IC, so treatments focus on minimizing symptoms like frequent urination, urgency, and pain to help patients live more comfortably. Finding the right solution can be a trial-and-error process since what works for one person might not work for another, and different flares may require different approaches.
IC flares can be categorized into three types: bladder wall, pelvic floor, and muscle flares. A bladder wall flare feels like something sharp scraping the bladder, often triggered by food or drink sensitivities, causing inflammation. Pelvic floor flares might result from activities like sex, prolonged sitting, or biking, leading to a burning sensation in the urethra, vaginal area, or pelvic floor. Muscle flares involve spasms in bladder muscles, causing severe aching.
Due to limited success with traditional treatments, many IC sufferers explore alternative methods for pain relief. Options include heat/cold therapy, physical therapy, dietary changes, hormone regulation, adequate water intake, stress reduction, and supplements like marshmallow root and aloe vera.
Heat/cold therapy can be particularly effective during flares. Heat is beneficial for bladder wall or muscle flares, often achieved with a heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen to relax muscles and soothe the bladder. For pelvic floor flares, applying a portable heat pad inside pants can help, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and ease burning sensations, like using a covered frozen water bottle against the urethra.
It’s crucial not to use heat or cold for too long, alternating or removing after about 20 minutes. The Mama Strut, initially designed for post-partum recovery, is helpful for IC as it allows hot/cold packs to be placed discreetly under clothing, offering relief during flares.
Many IC patients have tight pelvic floor muscles, which physical therapists can help relax through techniques like deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and biofeedback. Biofeedback involves using probes or electrodes that display muscle tension on a screen, helping patients learn to relax these muscles.
Contrary to the common perception that pelvic floor exercises mean doing Kegels, IC patients need to focus on relaxing these muscles. Physical therapists often use TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy, delivering mild electrical pulses to the lower back or pubic area to increase blood flow, strengthen bladder muscles, and block pain signals. Some find such relief that they opt for a similar implanted device called Interstim.
Diet also plays a role in managing IC. While cranberry juice is popular for UTI treatment, it’s too acidic for IC sufferers. Common irritants include coffee, alcohol, acidic juices, tomatoes, and chocolate. Identifying triggers through an elimination diet can help, and some use Prelief, a dietary mineral supplement, to neutralize acid in foods.
An anti-inflammatory diet, often gluten-free and low in sugar, may also help manage symptoms, as IC is an inflammatory disorder. Some choose pharmaceuticals like Elmiron to coat the bladder wall. Alternatively, natural solutions like marshmallow root and aloe vera pills can provide similar benefits without drug side effects.
Aloe vera capsules have shown success in reducing IC symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support bladder lining. However, liquid aloe vera juice may contain citric acid, which can irritate the bladder.
Hormonal changes can trigger IC symptoms. Many women notice worsening flares around ovulation or the start of their menstrual cycle, while pregnancy might temporarily ease symptoms. Balancing hormones through methods like essential oils or natural progesterone creams can help.
Managing water intake is another part of IC care. Drinking 6-8 glasses daily prevents dehydration and helps maintain less acidic urine, though balancing fluid intake is key to avoiding excessive urination and pain. Some find drinking alkaline water or a baking soda solution helps balance urine acidity.
Stress reduction is vital since stress can trigger inflammation. Relaxation techniques like meditation, using relaxing music, or taking Epsom salt baths can ease muscle tension. To further support pelvic muscle relaxation, try lying down with legs elevated while practicing deep relaxation techniques.
Always consult with a healthcare provider for personal medical advice. Have you experienced interstitial cystitis or recurrent UTIs? What natural remedies work for you?
