Interstitial Cystitis Advice

Many of us are familiar with the healing, comforting and soothing properties of heat such as using a heating pad or blanket in order to help combat IC symptoms. But have you ever tried the opposite, using “cold” as an IC helper. Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy can be very beneficial as inflammation is often receptive to both hot and cold.

Think about putting a cool cloth on a fevered forehead or an ice pack on bruise. If you are experiencing levels of pain that are higher than your usual or would like to switch things up try using coldness to deliver bladder, pelvic and abdominal pain relief. Try gently placing the cool object on your lower abdominal region or in times of vulvar pain (such as with vulvodynia, or post-sex for many ICers) on the vulvar area through a light layer of clothing. Some ideas to try include:

-Placing a small number of ice cubes or other frozen objects into a plastic bag and wrapping the bag in a cloth or using a “freezer” pack wrapped in cloth, change the ice inside as soon as it begins to melt
-Try freezing water in a condom or skinny balloon and applying or inserting it directly onto inflamed/sore vulvar areas
-Drink very cold water or eat a frozen food, odd as it may sound some have noted that drinking ice water seems to provide a sense of “internal coolness,” an affect which theoretically could be felt through out the whole body
-Soak in a bathtub of water that is much cooler than your normal temperature; don’t give yourself chills or worse though! Aim for lukewarm and cap the duration of the bath after about 15 minutes
-Soak a small towel (such as a hand towel) in icy water, wring our excess moisture, and gently drape it across your lower abdomen (“bladder area”) while you are resting in bed (a towel under you may be needed to prevent getting the bed sheets from becoming damp) -Try an ice alternative frozen product such as reusable ice packs or Snow Packs
-Gently apply an ice massage, moving a frozen object that is covered in cloth or plastic over the general area or consider trying a similar product made by Pro Tec Athletics which is a reusable ice massager.