Many types of over-the-counter (OTC) products can be helpful in relieving IC symptoms. Local pharmacies and supermarkets sell most. Some are only sold on the internet. However, when you have IC there are many factors to consider before trying one of these products. Talk with your healthcare provider and your pharmacist. Find out if these products are right for you.
Below is a review of some of the OTC products that many people with IC find helpful. For informational purposes, we provide brand names and links to product sites. These links may route you to commercial sites with promotional material not necessarily endorsed by the ICA.
Researchers evaluated the helpfulness of many dietary supplements and herbal remedies in relieving IC symptoms. Though additional research is required regarding the effectiveness of some products, anecdotal evidence suggests they are helpful for controlling IC symptoms.
The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act requires that products labeled as dietary supplements contain one or more dietary ingredients -- vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and other substances intended to supplement the diet. By law dietary supplements must be intended to be taken by mouth (eg, pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid). Learn more about dietary supplements by visiting the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. The United States Food and Drug Administration also provides tips on evaluating dietary supplements.
Over-the-counter drug products are medicines that are available without a prescription. Read the label of each product to learn about what the medicine treats and how to use it -- and follow label directions. Do not use two or more OTC drug products that have the same active ingredient at the same time. Also, OTC drug products can interact with prescription medicines. Ask your doctor before trying these products. Check out the United States Food and Drug Administration website for more information about the safe and effective use of OTC drug products.
Some people with IC have dry and sensitive skin. For women with vulvodynia, vulvar irritation and itchy skin may also be a problem. The best approach is to take care of your skin by limiting bathing times to 3 to 5 minutes and bathing in warm (not hot) water. Do not use gels, bubble baths, or bath oils and only use soaps on underarms, genitals and groin area, and your feet. Apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing -- even if your skin is still wet. OTC products that you may find helpful include:
The pain of IC, vulvodynia, and other pelvic pain conditions that can occur during and after sex can be made worse by insufficient vaginal lubrication. Causes of insufficient vaginal lubrication include less frequent sexual activity, drugs that dry out mucous membranes, or lowered estrogen levels after menopause. Pain can also result on penetration if the female partner is not aroused enough to produce natural lubrication. Lubricants are available in most supermarkets or drug stores next to the feminine hygiene products or condoms, or they can be ordered through various mail order companies. Read more about intimacy issues.
Astroglide: Water-based and water-soluble, Astroglide is a personal lubricant designed to mimic the body's natural fluids. Astroglide can be used by females or males to help themselves or their partners lubricate delicate tissues, especially during sexual intercourse. You can order Astroglide on-line at http://www.astroglide.com/ or call 800-848-5900.
Replens: Replens reduces friction and provides lubrication by replenishing natural moisture for days at a time. It can be used in advance to maintain spontaneity. One application will last 72 hours or longer. Replens is available in single-use applicators. Visit http://www.replens.com/ or call 800-252-0454.
For most IC patients, a hot or cold pack -- in the area around the vagina for women and in the groin area for men -- can be comforting and ease pain. Most supermarkets, pharmacies, and sport stores sell these products. The deep pelvic achiness that some people with IC experience responds to the application of heat. Hot water bottles or heat packs are helpful, including disposable, instant, all-natural, microwavable, reusable, strips, hot water bottles, and more. Other IC patients feel pain of a burning nature and find that cold helps to "put out the burn." Cold packs are also more helpful for vulvodynia pain. Cold packs are available in disposable, reusable, instant, all-natural, etc. Below is one heating/cooling pack designed specifically for pelvic pain. Learn more about pain management and IC.
TheraPearl: Invented by Carol Baltazar, MD, these hot and cold pack conform to the body like a pack of peas. TheraPearl is a nontoxic, environmentally friendly, reusable pack containing glycerin and water. Four shapes (rectangle, round, oval, mask) are available and each can be used as a cold or hot pack. Check it out online at www.therapearl.com or call 877-PEARL09.
Many IC patients have special needs because of urinary urgency and frequency problems. Many find the ICA Restroom Access Card helpful. Available through the ICA Resource Materials Guide, this plastic, wallet card arms you with a tool for communicating emergency needs for a restroom. The card gives a brief description of IC and is intended to assist you in obtaining use of toilet facilities in public places. Disposable personal urinals offer an alternative if a restroom is not easily accessible.
GoGirl is a new female urination device (FUD) that helps females to urinate while standing up. GoGirl is portable, reusable, dishwasher-safe, and made of medical grade silicone. Providing an alternative to squatting in the woods, this FUD may be helpful for women with IC.
Bedside Urinal lets you urinate while lying in bed for men or sitting or standing close to the bed for women. Developed for people who get up to go three or more times during the night, the manufacturer notes the Bedside Urinal helps people with nocturia get a better rest.
Portable Urinal by TravelJohn: TravelJohn absorbs liquid waste in a "no spill" disposable gel bag. Small enough to fit in a pocket, purse, or glove compartment, each TravelJohn unit can be used up to three times in a day before it is thrown away. To find out more, visit http://www.traveljohn.com/.
Revised August 24, 2009