What are the primary symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis?
What causes Interstitial Cystitis?
Diagnosing Interstitial Cystitis?
What are the treatment options for Interstitial Cystitis?
A better way to treat Interstitial Cystitis
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) as treatment for Interstitial Cystitis?
How is platelet rich plasma created?
Pain: Chronic pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region.
Urgency: A persistent, urgent need to urinate.Frequency: Frequent urination, often in small amounts, day and night.
Pain Relief After Urination: Some individuals experience temporary relief after urinating.
The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown. Possible contributing factors include:A defect in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder.
Autoimmune reactions.
Genetics.
Infection.
Allergy
Diagnosing IC can be challenging as its symptoms overlap with other conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and overactive bladder.
Diagnostic methods may include:
● Medical History and Symptom Review: Detailed discussion about symptoms.
● Physical Examination: Including a pelvic exam.
● Urinalysis and Urine Culture: To rule out infection.
● Cystoscopy: Examination of the bladder with a scope.
● Potassium Sensitivity Test: To check bladder lining integrity.
While there's no definitive cure for IC, various treatments can help manage symptoms:
● Avoid foods and drinks irritating the bladder (e.g., caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods).
● Bladder training exercises.
● Medications
● Pelvic floor muscle therapy to alleviate muscle tension.
● Sacral nerve stimulation
● Surgery
At Epiphany, we believe there is another way to treat IC. We use a method that injects your own platelet-rich plasma into the region near the urethra (pee tube). This method of treatment is completely natural, and women are raving about the results.
If you suspect you have symptoms of interstitial cystitis, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management. If you need help or would like to book a visit at our office, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Our team is here to support you in managing your interstitial cystitis and improving your quality of life.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from the woman's own blood, and it is injected back into her body for several benefits. PRP contains highly active growth factors that stimulate cell and tissue regeneration, benefiting the tissue where it was injected.
Platelet-rich plasma is obtained by separating a woman’s own blood into plasma, platelets, and red blood cells. A centrifuge (spinning device) is used to separate the blood. The plasma and platelets are removed from the tube and used in the injection after they have been activated using calcium chloride.
The injection, administered near the urethra (pee tube), prompts bone marrow to create new blood vessels and tissues. Over several days, weeks, and months, this new tissue develops, potentially treating interstitial cystitis.
The method for injecting PRP as a treatment for interstitial cystitis was developed by a physician and he named the procedure the O-Shot. This method of injecting PRP is used to treat many conditions other than interstitial cystitis such as urinary incontinence, vaginal dryness, and pain with sex. When you arrive at our office, we will discuss the procedure in detail with you. Then we will draw blood from your arm and then apply numbing cream to the area of injection.
After the blood is drawn and spun down in the centrifuge, the calcium chloride is added to activate the growth factors, and then your provider will use a very thin needle to administer the PRP. Because these areas have been numbed with the anesthetic cream, the woman feels little or no pain. The process also only takes about 10 minutes.
Higher concentrations of calcium chloride can usually be found in the tissue than in the blood. So, when the doctor adds calcium chloride to the PRP, the platelets think that tissue injury released the calcium into the bloodstream. PRP has been used effectively for a variety of treatments for more than 20 years. Over 500,000 procedures involving the injection of PRP into various parts of the body have been performed with no significant side effects or complications reported.
This extra calcium chloride triggers the platelets to release at least 7 different growth factors that then trigger the unipotent stem cells to grow younger tissue–activating unipotent stem cells. So, the O-Shot® is a nonsurgical procedure that uses the growth factors each woman has in her own body to stimulate vaginal and clitoral rejuvenation to activate new tissue growth.
We would love to discuss your condition and our treatment options in more detail with you. We are conveniently located in Peoria, IL and Fairhope, AL. We are here to get you back on top of your game and living your best life.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward treating urinary incontinence, please book an appointment online.
Always consult a healthcare professional for the most current information and personalized advice.
“My visit at Epiphany Women’s Health was wonderful! Dr. Boyd took a lot of time discussing my personal health needs, and was sure to make sure any questions I had were answered. The office staff was so welcoming and kind! My appointment ran smoothly from start to finish with no wait time! I’m happy to call Epiphany Women’s Health Care my home for female healthcare!“
Each one of our providers is board certified and experienced. Rest assured they will provide superior care that you deserve.
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