Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition in which the bladder wall becomes inflamed and hypersensitive, producing persistent pelvic pain and an urgent, frequent need to urinate, often without any bacterial infection. It is more common in women and can significantly disrupt daily life and sleep.

Medicine used to treat Interstitial Cystitis

Elmiron

Pentosan Polysulfate

100mg

Product utilized to address interstitial cystitis and indicated to support the bladder lining by reducing pain and discomfort.

From $4.25 / tablet View

What the bladder is doing

In IC the protective lining of the bladder appears damaged or unusually permeable, allowing irritants in urine to reach deeper tissue layers. This triggers ongoing inflammation rather than the short, sharp cycle of a typical urinary tract infection. Pain typically worsens as the bladder fills and eases after voiding, a pattern that helps distinguish IC from other bladder health problems.

Managing the condition

There is no single cure, so treatment aims to reduce inflammation, protect the bladder lining, and lower symptom burden. Pentosan polysulfate is one of the few medicines studied specifically for IC; it is thought to help restore the bladder’s protective surface layer. Dietary adjustments (limiting caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods, and artificial sweeteners) can reduce flares for many people. Stress management and bladder-retraining exercises also have supporting evidence.

Symptoms that are severe, worsening rapidly, or accompanied by blood in the urine warrant prompt medical assessment to rule out other causes.