Other Therapies

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is delivered through a device that is worn externally. The device delivers mild electric pulses to the bladder area and helps relieve pain and urinary frequency in some people with IC.
• Bladder distention: The urinary bladder is stretched by filling it with water under general anesthesia. This test used for diagnosing IC may provide relief as well. Bladder distention helps about 30% of people with IC, at least over the short term, probably because the bladder is stretched and its capacity is increased. The procedure may interfere with the transmission of pain signals by nerves in the bladder and thereby provide pain relief. Symptoms may temporarily worsen 24-48 hours after bladder distention but usually improve two to four weeks after the procedure.
• Sacral nerve stimulation implants are surgically implanted devices being tested for people with IC.
• Self-help strategies such as bladder training, dietary changes, stress reduction, and low-impact exercise may help alleviate the symptoms of IC.
• Physical therapy with biofeedback for pelvic floor relaxation may be helpful in some people.

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