FAQ

A Woman With a Wondering Gaze

What Is The IC Network?

Founded in 1994, the Interstitial Cystitis Network (ICN) is a health education company dedicated to IC and pelvic pain. Our main, educational and patient support website is located at: http://www.icnetwork.org. You are currently visiting the ICN Shop, where we sell a variety of books, supplies, supplements and more. We are located in Sonoma County, California. http://www.icnsales.com

Who Owns the ICN??

Jill Heidi Osborne, MA, founded the Interstitial Cystitis Network (ICN), the first online support community for people with IC/BPS. An author, educator, and scientist, she has dedicated her life to helping patients find answers, support, and hope. At age 32, a doctor told her she would “forever be a burden on her family.” Determined to prove him wrong, she turned to research—drawing on her background in chemistry, pharmacology, and psychology. More than 30 years later, the ICN is recognized as one of the most trusted IC resources in the world. And she did prove him wrong. After discovering that pelvic floor dysfunction—not bladder damage—was the root of her symptoms, physical therapy brought relief. Today, Jill continues to inspire others to keep searching for answers and never give up.

Can I Become A Member?

We are so grateful to our members who help to fund our IC education and support services, including our live support group meetings, IC Awareness Month (http://www.icawareness.org) and so much more. Signing up couldn’t be easier! Just click on: https://www.icnsales.com/icn-memberships/.

Where Can I Find My Membership Page?

Just log in and you’ll see your member page listed as an option to click on. https://www.icnsales.com/index.php?p=login

SHIPPING

Why don’t you offer free shipping?

We are a very small business and support group that cannot absorb shipping costs like Amazon. Those fees help us answer the thousands of questions we receive by phone. In fact, when you look at most websites that offer free shipping, they offer minimal, if any, phone services. We hope that you find value in the conversations you may have with us, which will justify paying a shipping fee. We strive to provide you with the lowest costs possible.

What carrier do you use?

We use the United States Postal Service. You should receive tracking information when we ship the order. You are also welcome to call us if you are wondering where your shipment is.

Mail theft

We both lose when criminals steal. Several times a year, customers report not receiving packages. If USPS tracking confirms delivery, we find ourselves in a difficult situation. We can prove that we sent the package and met our obligation. That said, we always try to keep our customers happy. We will try to resend the package at no charge but may require signature confirmation and/or delivery to an address that is more secure. If mail theft is common in your area, please consider getting a postal box. Orders over $300 are generally sent with a signature requirement. You can waive this requirement but must assume all security responsibility for the package.

International Shipping

We only ship to Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If you live in another country and wish to purchase supplements, we suggest using family members or friends located in the USA who can order for you. We will then send them the package which they can send to you as a gift. We do not collect any customs fees nor can we estimate their costs.

SUPPLEMENTS

How do you pick which supplements to offer?

We start with research. Are there studies that show that certain ingredients may help? For example, a 2019 study found that palmitoylethanolamide (aka PEA) significantly reduced pain and discomfort, while a 2024 study found that lactoferrin significantly reduced inflammation in the bladder and that Hunner’s lesions improved dramatically. Then, we look for USA-based companies that have extensive safety testing. We do purchase lactoferrin from Australia. Please note that no supplement company can claim that its products treat or cure any disease.

Why are supplements popular?

In 2014, the American Urological Association released guidelines for IC/BPS that encouraged patients to try supplements before traditional medications because they generally have far fewer risks of adverse events and side effects. The sad reality is that the only FDA-approved oral medication for IC has now been linked to retinal disease, blindness, and inflammatory bowel disease that could result in colectomy. Supplements, in general, have provided relief for thousands of patients with less risks. Of course, any patient may have unique sensitivities that will require some trial and error. When in doubt, talk with your doctor before hand.

My budget is limited. How can I save money?

We hear you. Times are tough right now for many of us. If you sign up for a recurring order, you automatically get 10% off your order. Better yet, don’t ask for monthly delivery. Those costs add up quickly. Instead, order two bottles every two months or three every three months. You’ll save almost $100 a year doing that. Many patients make a bottle stretch longer by simply taking less. Instead of four a day, how about two? or even one a day?

Which supplement should I try?

Are you confused by the many choices out there? Are you getting conflicting suggestions from online support groups and companies? Your choice should begin with your phenotype. For example, if you are pelvic floor driven, using a bladder supplement doesn’t make a lot of sense. Whereas, if you have Hunner’s lesions or bladder wall phenotypes, you may benefit from them. We have several supplement guides that may help choose. As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-928-7496.

COFFEE

Why do you sell coffee when it can cause flares?

Great question! Coffee is a beloved ritual in many of our lives and, yes, it can cause devastating and painful flares. But there are low acid options. DandyBlend is our favorite herbal coffee that should not trigger any flares. It’s caffeine free and low in acid. And the Bella Rosa Coffee Company offers traditional coffee that is remarkably low in acid because of the way that it is grown and roasted. So, depending upon a patients unique phenotype and sensitivities, drinking coffee may be possible. But, if it triggers flares, it’s best to avoid it!