Treatment Options for Bladder Pain Syndrome
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS/IC). Management focuses on reducing symptoms, improving quality of life, and addressing triggers. A combination of medical, behavioural, and supportive therapies is often required. Learn more about the treatment options for bladder pain syndrome below.
1. Lifestyle and diet changes
- Avoid bladder irritants such as:
- Coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks
- Keep a food and symptom diary to identify individual triggers.
- Drink enough water but avoid frequent small sips that encourage over-urination.
2. Bladder training
- Gradually increase the time between urinations to reduce urgency.
- Requires discipline and may take weeks or months.
3. Pelvic floor physiotherapy
- A trained physiotherapist can help relax tight pelvic muscles and reduce pain.
- Useful for patients with muscle spasm or pelvic floor dysfunction.
4. Oral medications
- Amitriptyline: Reduces nerve pain and helps with sleep.
- Antihistamines: Like hydroxyzine, to control bladder inflammation.
- Pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron): Helps repair the bladder lining (limited availability in SA).
- Pain relievers: Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help during flares.
5. Intravesical therapy
- Bladder instillations of:
- Heparin
- Lidocaine
- Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
- These are inserted directly into the bladder and reduce pain or inflammation.
6. Nerve modulation therapy
- Electrical stimulation of pelvic nerves to reduce pain signals.
- Available only in select centres.
7. Surgery (last resort)
- Used only for severe, unresponsive cases.
- May involve bladder augmentation or removal — rare and life-altering.
Mental health support
- Living with BPS/IC can affect mental health. Counselling or support groups can help patients manage anxiety, frustration, and isolation.
Treatment Options for Bladder Pain Syndrome
In South Africa, many of these treatments are more accessible in private healthcare, but public hospitals are increasingly offering multidisciplinary management, including physiotherapy and pain clinics.
👉 [Next: Living with Bladder Pain Syndrome]
