Have you experienced multiple bladder infections over the past year that do not seem to go away or are not helped by the antibiotics you have been prescribed? Have you suffered from bladder pain, urinary problems, or had trouble sleeping that does not seem to be related to any other medical issue? Has it affected your ability to go to work or enjoy your regular activities? You may not be suffering from bladder infections but a condition known as interstitial cystitis. More than 700,000 people in the United States suffer from interstitial cystitis; most of whom are women in their mid-40's.

Symptoms often begin as a mild pressure or discomfort in the pelvic area but soon progress to a localized pain and urinary problems similar to a bladder infection.  Certain factors such as a woman's cycle, spicy and acidic foods or drinks, or stress can trigger these symptoms. Avoiding these triggers and reducing your stress level is the first step on the road to recovery.

The most common treatment is Elmiron, which is the only oral medication FDA approved to treat interstitial cystitis.  Other medicines, such as gabapentin, amitriptyline, and NSAIDs, are used to reduce symptoms and relieve pain. While these work for most, some patients feel little benefit or experience side effects that may be intolerable. Other options include creating a customized bladder irrigation administered by your physician.  Several medications are combined and placed directly into the bladder to provide targeted relief.

For more information about interstitial cystitis and treatment options, visit www.ichelp.org, ask your physician, or contact Josh Regel, Pharm.D. at Regel PharmaLab.