What does the AUA (American Urological Association) Say about Interstitial Cystitis?
The most recent AUA Interstitial Cystitis Guidelines were published in 2014. Leading researchers compiled the most important research on IC, discussed the evidence for different treatments and issued a guiding document on interstitial cystitis.
Unfortunately, many urologists who treat IC either aren't aware of these new guidelines or don't follow the AUA recommendations. We believe having a copy of these AUA Interstitial Cystitis Guidelines is important to make sure your urologist is aware of all your treatment options and their recommendations are in line with the AUA.
We have a printable copy of the AUA IC Guidelines below you can use when discussing options with your physician for your treatment.
Lines of Treatment in the AUA Interstitial Cystitis Guidelines
The AUA organized their treatment options into different "lines" of treatment. The experts believe patients should go through these lines in order. The Guidelines for IC state:
Treatment strategies should proceed using more conservative therapies first, with less conservative therapies employed if symptom control is inadequate for acceptable quality of life." - AUA Interstitial Cystitis Guidelines
Evidence Grade in the AUA Guidelines for Interstitial Cystitis
The experts also gave individual evidence grades based on how proven each treatment strategy is. The most proven treatment is pelvic floor physical therapy for IC, the only treatment given an "A" evidence grade by the AUA.
This way, patients can see what the research says about their doctor's recommendations and ask questions if their physician is out of order or recommends an unproven treatment.
Combination Treatment Likely Necessary for IC Patients
One of the most important realizations in the AUA Guidelines is there is no "one" treatment option that works for everyone. Most patients require a more holistic approach.
We believe this is where a pelvic health physical therapist can be invaluable. They should be able to look at the big picture and guide your overall care.
No single treatment has been found effective for the majority of patients, and the fact that acceptable symptom control may require trials of multiple theraputic options." - AUA Interstitial Cystitis Guidelines
Online Course to Guide Your Care
Many patients feel overwhelmed with the different options, feel they aren't heard in short, 10-min office visits or haven't been able to find a medical team who truly specialize in IC treatment.
At PelvicSanity, we do offer remote consultations to guide your care one-on-one, but we also created an awesome patient-focused course on Interstitial Cystitis.
We review all the treatment options and give you practical, positive tips for finding the right medical providers, creating a self-care program to reduce symptoms, ideas for avoiding trigger foods and how to take back control of your health for lasting relief. If that might be helpful, feel free to check out the new IC: Roadmap to Healing online course ($87).
Printable Copy of the AUA Interstitial Cystitis Guidelines
You can take them in with you to your appointments or give you ideas for other treatment options to try.
For a comprehensive look at IC and how to reduce your symptoms, find the right medical team, and truly understand how to take back control of your health, check out the new online course IC: Roadmap to Healing today!
At PelvicSanity, we support patients beyond the walls of our own clinic in Southern California. We offer an Out-of-Town program, remote consultations, and a Facebook support group for patients called Finding Pelvic Sanity.
Dr. Nicole Cozean is the founder of PelvicSanity Physical Therapy in Orange County, CA. PelvicSanity treats patients from all over the world with remote consultations and the Immersive Out of Town Program. She also runs Pelvic PT Rising, training other pelvic PTs to better serve patients.
Named Physical Therapist of the Year, Dr. Nicole is author of the award-winning book The Interstitial Cystitis Solution and the first PT to serve on the ICA Board of Directors, Her passion is helping those with pelvic health issues - regardless of where they live - find lasting relief.