When a patient experiences bladder symptoms, most assume that they have a urinary tract infection. Many, however, are stunned to learn that urine testing has found no infection. So what else can trigger these urinary symptoms? The bladder, like any other part of the body, can be injured, usually the result of chemical exposure. [...]
America spends more on health care than any other nation on Earth. It boasts world-renowned hospitals, cutting-edge technology, and some of the finest specialists in the world. Yet for many people living with IC/BPS, those impressive credentials mean very little if they cannot find what they need most: a physician who listens, follows current [...]
A new retrospective case series from UCLA Stein Eye Institute reveals deeply concerning results about the toxic effects of pentosan (aka Elmiron®) to the eyes and bowel. While continued progression of retinal damage and atrophy was documented, the bowel findings were perhaps even more alarming. In this latest study, eight patients (six women and [...]
When you’ve been told that a medication is approved by the US FDA, wouldn’t you assume that testing has been performed to prove that it is not only safe but effective? Did this happen for Elmiron® (aka pentosan polysulfate sulfate - PPS) , the only FDA approved oral medication for IC/BPS, that has been [...]
Many people diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis spend years searching for answers about chronic bladder pain, urinary urgency, pelvic pressure, and painful sitting. What many patients don’t realize is that some of these symptoms may overlap with symptomatic Tarlov Cyst Disease. At the Tarlov Cyst Society, we regularly hear from patients who were initially diagnosed [...]
The best summer salads are improvised based upon what’s currently in season. Start with a quick trip to your local farmers market for some fresh greens, berries, peaches, apples and avocados. Try samples from your local cheese producers. Be bold. You might love some goat cheese in your salads! Most farmers' markets feature local [...]
There is a quiet kind of strength that often goes unseen—the strength of mothers who care for children with disabilities. It doesn’t make headlines. It isn’t measured in milestones or accolades. Yet it is present in every early morning appointment, every sleepless night, every moment of patience, advocacy, and unwavering love. Our mothers become experts [...]
The IC101 Food App was created to help patients finally understand why certain foods trigger pain, urgency, frequency, pressure, and bladder discomfort. Living with interstitial cystitis can make every meal feel uncertain, frustrating, and isolating. This app gives patients practical, personalized guidance so they can eat with greater confidence and less fear of flares. [...]
We are delighted to announce that the Spring 2026 IC Optimist is now available for our members and for purchase. This is the flagship publication of the ICN, where we share the latest research, feature stories, guest interviews, self-help tips and more. In this issue: Editorial We begin this issue with a tribute to [...]
A new study found that lactoferrin (bLf) is remarkably helpful at calming the bladder wall and preventing IC flares. Thirty one patients with an active history of IC flares in the previous six months used lactoferrin (Valpalf®) for 17 weeks.(1) Out of 31 patients, 28 women experienced no IC flares after treatment while only [...]
