Treating Interstitial Cystitis: Special Therapies and Surgery

Interstitial cystitis is a painful bladder condition. Certain treatments can help manage interstitial cystitis and relieve pain. Some people find these treatments work well. But others don’t find them useful. You and your healthcare provider can discuss what’s best for you.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a painless technique. It uses sensors and a computer screen. The sensors are placed on your abdomen. The sensors read signals given off by your muscles. These signals are turned into lines on a computer screen. When you move your bladder muscles, you can see changes in the lines. Several sessions of biofeedback may help you better control your bladder muscles. This may help reduce your symptoms.

Electrical stimulation

This involves sending electricity into the area around your bladder. It may help relieve symptoms by blocking the nerve sensations to and from the bladder. It may also improve blood flow and strengthen the pelvic muscles. During the therapy, wires are placed on the skin of the lower back or abdomen. Mild electric pulses are then sent into the body. This is done for several minutes to hours. The therapy may be repeated one or more times daily. This may continue for several weeks to months. This treatment is sometimes called TENS.

Other types of treatments

Therapeutic massage of the abdominal muscles using heat or ice may help give you relief. Acupuncture, the therapeutic use of needles, has helped relieve pain in some cases.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for severe cases that are not helped by any other treatment. Surgery is not always useful. If your healthcare provider recommends surgery, he or she can discuss the risks and benefits with you.