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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

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ICA Office Closed on Monday, July 6
In celebration of the 4th of July, the ICA office is closed on Monday, July 6.  We are open on Friday, July 3 and, after the holiday weekend, reopen Tuesday, July 7. 


ACTION ALERT: Ask Congress to Support IC Research and Programs
On July 8, the US House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (L-HHS) will discuss health funding for fiscal year 2010, including the budgets for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Now Online: June 2009 Edition of Cafe ICA
New PT brochure, support group updates, ICA Facebook Causes page, reading for research hounds, diet bytes, restrooms on the go, and more!
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New Drug Delivery Option
TARIS Biomedical, a new pharmaceutical company, announced plans to develop an innovative drug delivery option for treating IC symptoms, dubbed the  lidocaine-releasing intravesical system (LiRIS).
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Reading for Research Hounds
Reader-friendly summaries of every study presented about IC at this year's AUA annual meeting.
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Counseling Your Patients: Discourse on Intercourse
Download the newest edition of Professional Perspectives.  Read about how to talk to patients about sex and restoring intimacy. Access free patient handouts about intimacy.
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New Website Content and Brochure on Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for treating underlying pelvic floor dysfunction in people with IC can yield positive results and provide significant pain relief. Learn more about working with a physical therapist and how to find one.
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Dr. Clauw Joins ICA Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Daniel Clauw, director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center at the University of Michigan, has been named to the Medical Advisory Board of the ICA.
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Patient Advocacy Organizations United on Health Care Reform
The ICA is one of 48 national patient organizations calling on President Obama and members of Congress to enact health care reform legislation that guarantees effective and affordable health and long-term care coverage for all Americans.
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May 2009 Edition of Cafe ICA Posted
Check out the May edition of Cafe ICA to learn about increased IC prevalence figures, how to help ensure access to pain meds, triumphant tales of males with IC, yummy summer salad dressing ideas, summaries of recently IC published research, upcoming events, and more.
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New Obama Book Includes Letter from Teen with IC
Casey Mack, a 14-year old eighth grader with IC, had his letter to the President selected for publication in the recently released book Dear President Obama: Letters of Hope from Children Across America.
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Prevalence of Interstitial Cystitis in US Much Larger than Previously Believed
Three to 8 million women in the United States may have interstitial cystitis (IC).  This newly released prevalence number, presented at the 2009 American Urologic Association Annual Meeting in Chicago, represents about 3 to 6 percent of all U.S. women.
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Runner Goes the Mile and Beyond for IC
Joe Daczko, of Mantua, Ohio, modestly refers to himself as a simple guy, just trying to do what he can. Recently, Daczko qualified for the Boston Marathon, and he became a CNN iReporter after the qualifying race -- all in the same day.
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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 1.5 million 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 June 19, 2009
 
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