Therefore, it is important to understand that most treatments are palliative, designed to alleviate symptoms rather than cure disease. Surgery, such as bladder augmentation or cystectomy, is usually considered only after all other treatment options have been explored. We have not attempted to make an exhaustive list of everything that IC patients have tried. Selecting A Treatment Medical research is just beginning to explore ways of identifying which patients may respond best to which treatments. In the future, there may be tests to help doctors decide which option would most likely succeed in each case.
Most doctors utilize their own experience with patients to help decide what treatment to recommend.
It is comforting to know, however, that if the first selection doesn't help, there are many other approaches to try. As you consider various IC treatments with your medical care team, you may wish to review the following questions for each treatment.