Treating Interstitial Cystitis
The following methods are used to treat Interstitial Cystitis:
- Bladder Distention – In addition to being a useful tool for interstitial cystitis diagnosis, bladder distention can also be helpful as a treatment. Dr. Safir will administer an anesthetic, then fill (distend) the bladder with water. Some patients may feel relief after this procedure.
- Medication – A number of medications can be used to manage interstitial cystitis pain. In addition to standard pain medication, Dr. Safir may prescribe Elmiron. Interstitial cystitis will often respond to Elmiron treatment.
- Pelvic Floor Therapy – Pelvic floor therapy can help sufferers of interstitial cystitis relax their pelvic muscles, relieving tension and pain.
- Bladder Instillation – Bladder instillation involves Dr. Safir filling the bladder with a medicated solution (a compound called Rescue Solution) through a catheter. You will normally retain the solution in your bladder for about 15 minutes before expelling it.
- Nerve Stimulation – A nerve stimulation device often provides relief from pain using small electrical pulses to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles.
- Surgery – When other methods have failed, Dr. Safir can perform surgery to alleviate symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Dr. Safir uses minimally invasive surgical techniques wherever possible. One option, called fulguration, involves burning off lesions in the bladder with electricity or a laser. Another option is bladder augmentation, a delicate procedure that requires substantial expertise to perform . Fortunately, Dr. Safir has extensive experience in performing this and other surgeries for interstitial cystitis.