There is no cure for IC, and there are no standard or consistently effective treatments. Results vary from person to person. As long as the cause is unknown, treatment is based on trial and error until you find relief.

Elmiron is the only medication taken by mouth that is specifically approved for treating IC. This medicine coats the bladder like Pepto-Bismol coats the stomach.

Other medicines may include:

• Opioid painkillers for severe pain
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil (amitriptyline) to relieve pain and urinary frequency
• Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate), an antihistamine that causes sedation, helps reduce urinary frequency

Other therapies include:

• Bladder hydrodistention (filling bladder with fluid)
• Bladder training (using relaxation techniques to train the bladder to go only at specific times)
• Instilled medications - medicines are placed directly into the bladder. Medicines that are given this way include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMS), heparin, Clorpactin, lidocaine, doxorubicin, or bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine.
• Physical therapy and biofeedback (may help relieve pelvic floor muscle spasms)
• Surgery, ranging from cystoscopic manipulation to bladder removal (cystectomy)

Diet modification

Some patients find that changes in their diet can help control symptoms. The idea is to avoid foods and beverages that can cause bladder irritation. Below are some of the foods that the Interstitial Cystitis Association says may cause bladder irritation.

• Aged cheeses
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners
• Chocolate
• Citrus juices
• Coffee
• Cranberry juice (Note: Although cranberry juice is often recommended for urinary tract infections, it can make IC symptoms worse.)
• Fava and lima beans
• Meats that are cured, processed, smoked, canned, aged, or that contain nitrites
• Most fruits except blueberries, honeydew melon, and pears
• Nuts except almonds, cashews, and pine nuts
• Onions
• Rye bread
• Seasonings that contain MSG
• Sour cream
• Sourdough bread
• Soy
• Tea
• Tofu
• Tomatoes
• Yogurt

Experts suggest that you do not stop eating all of these foods at one time. Instead, try eliminating one at a time to see if that helps relieve your symptoms.

For additional information and support, see interstitial cystitis support groups.

Treatment results vary. Some people respond well to simple treatments and dietary changes. Others may require extensive treatments or surgery.

• Chronic depression
• Chronic pain that may cause a change in lifestyle
• Emotional trauma
• High costs associated with frequent medical visits
• Side effects of treatments (depending on the treatment)

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Be sure to mention that you suspect this disorder. It is not well recognized or easily diagnosed.