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Giving hope to all those living with interstitial cystitis, as well as the healthcare providers and researchers who strive to improve the lives of IC patients

In the News

April Cafe ICA Now Online
Check out the April edition of Cafe ICA to learn about breaking news from the 2009 AUA annual meeting, the progress of the ICA's IMAGINE NO IC campaign, the latest IC media coverage, support group news, FDA patient safety news, summaries of recently IC published research, and much more.
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009: AUA Annual Meeting 2009 Daily Report
Classes at 8 AM are tough enough for most of us, but some 200 urologists got up before dawn to attend Robert Moldwin, MD’s course on IC/Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) here at the American Urological Association’s annual meeting.
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Tuesday, April 28, 2009: AUA Annual Meeting 2009 Daily Report
Tuesday’s sessions at the AUA showed that IC has definitely moved beyond a special interest among a group of urologic researchers. It’s a topic of more general plenary sessions and courses and, now, more general sessions on female urology.
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Monday, April 27, 2009: AUA Annual Meeting 2009 Daily Report
Monday morning's plenary session at the American Urological Association's annual meeting brought urologic pelvic pain conditions to the forefront for urologists. One lecture put the spotlight on IC, CP/CPPS for all urologists. Another noted that a major clinical trial of amitriptyline for new IC patients shows higher doses helpful but problematic and suggests value of educational/behavioral approach.
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Sunday, April 26, 2009: AUA Annual Meeting 2009 Daily Report
The significant impact of IC on quality of life, new chronic prostatitis research that may help people with IC, and basic science investigations that are pointing to potential new treatments stimulated discussion on the second day of the AUA.
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Saturday, April 25, 2009: AUA Annual Meeting 2009 Daily Report
Three to 8 million women in the United States may have IC. That is about 3 to 6 percent of all US women. The new estimate topped Saturday's IC news from the American Urological Association's annual meeting. There was plenty more excitement in IC research, especially about new treatments. Research further validated that foods, beverages, and the pH of urine do make a difference.
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine for IC Survey
Have you tried any complementary or alternative treatments for IC? Take our online survey and show us what treatments have real potential for IC.
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ICA Announces Formation of Alliance
In an effort to help millions of Americans suffering from multiple chronic medical conditions, the ICA and five other independent nonprofit organizations have come together to form the Overlapping Conditions Alliance.
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Interstitial cystitis (IC) is pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort related to the bladder, typically associated with persistent urge to void or urinary frequency. IC may also be referred to as chronic pelvic pain (CPP), painful bladder syndrome (PBS), or bladder pain syndrome (BPS).

IC can affect women, men, and children of any age, race, or sex. It is most commonly found in women. Three to 8 million women in the United States may have IC. That is about 3 to 6 percent of all US women. Approximately 82,000 men have IC; however, this estimate is likely below the true prevalence because IC in men may often be mistaken for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Many people with IC experience severe, chronic pain. Some feel like their insides are being cut apart with razor blades. Others compare the pain to red hot pokers stabbing at their pelvic area.

Revised April 25, 2009