IC Optimist – Summer 2026 PDF Edition

We are delighted to issue our Summer 2026 IC Optimist. The flagship publication of the IC Network, our patient magazine provides feature stories, comforting self-help tips, the latest research, meeting notes, and new articles on the IC diet.

In this issue:

Editorial

We've assembled a comprehensive guide to the many conditions that can mimic IC/BPS and should be ruled out before a diagnosis is made. Why? Because far too many patients have been told that they have interstitial cystitis when, in fact, they have a condition that IS treatable, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic congestion syndrome, estrogen atrophy, BPH and more. If you’re not responding to bladder treatments, go through this list carefully to see if another condition might have been missed

International IC/BPS Diagnostic Guidelines Released

The International Society for the Study of IC/BPS has released new diagnostic guidelines for IC/BPS that focus, for the first time, on the identification of four key phenotypes. While there remains considerable discussion and debate about specific patient groups, this is a start in the right direction for care across the world. 

A Precision Diagnosis is the Foundation For Precision Medicine

The Urology Association of France has published their new guidelines for IC/BPS which, again, focuses on phenotyping to identify the correct treatment for each patient. Their proposal is different than ESSIC and the AUA, but that's ok. The good news is that there is now broad consensus that IC isn't necessarily a bladder disease in many, if not most patients. When we find the underlying cause, treatments have a much better chance of being successful. 

New Study Reveals Yet More Toxic Effects of Pentosan on Eyes and Bowel

An important new study from UCLA Stein Eye Institute reveals deeply concerning results about the toxic effects of pentosan and how they appear to progress over time, resulting in yet more damage to the retinas and bowel. Of particular concern was the finding that 75% of the patients had developed severe polyposis in their colon, with three requiring a partial or total colectomy. If you are one of these patients, you are not alone. 

Has Your Bladder Been Injured? 

Toxic chemical exposures—from medications to environmental chemicals—can trigger bladder irritation that closely resembles IC/BPS. We review the many chemicals capable of causing bladder injury and discuss how to recognize the warning signs.

Feature Story - What Doctors Often Miss in Men with IC/BPS

Men continue to face unique challenges. Too many spend years being treated for chronic prostatitis with antibiotics and prostate therapies that have little chance of helping the real source of their pelvic pain. Stacey Shannon explores why this happens and what men need to know to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.

Fatty Liver Disease: A Hidden Risk For Recurring UTI's

Patients struggling with recurring bladder infections are often puzzled as to why they keep occurring. Of course, we know that estrogen atrophy is a common cause, as well as patients who struggle with autoimmune disorders. Did you know that fatty liver disease can also contribute to recurring infections? 

Introducing Our New App - The IC101 Food App for iOs and GooglePlay

It was time for another app that would make it easier for patients to select foods that are bladder friendly. Our app is easy to use and designed for eating out at restaurants, grocery shopping and whenever you need a quick reference guide for IC friendly foods. It includes our proprietary database, as well as an ai interface that allows you to ask questions and get very detailed answered. 

The Latest Research - A Promising New Treatment Under Study: 8-AG

Check out the latest research into a new, potential treatment for IC. It appears to help the bladder wall heal. Very promising but still quite early.

Consumer Alert - Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Memory and Cognitive Decline

It's heartbreaking to discover that products used by millions have unexpected and often quite severe side effects. We know that artificial sugars often irritate the bladder and trigger painful flares but new research shows that many sweeteners are now linked to significant memory and cognitive decline. 

Self-Help Tip - The Boom and Bust Cycle

You've woken up feeling great and decide to catch up on all the tasks that a painful bladder had you avoiding. But then, the next day, a flare begins. Stacey Shannon explains why that happens and how to prevent it. 

IC Diet Project - Greek Food is Perfect For Summer

Light, refreshing and bladder friendly. What couldn't be better in the final days of summer. We share two great Greek recipes to enjoy! 

Pages: 36

Publisher: Interstitial Cystitis Network