title: Complementary and alternative medical therapies for interstitial cystitis: an update from the United States.
abstract: The diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) has shifted from organ-specific to a multifactorial, multidisciplinary and individualized approach. Patients with refractory and debilitating symptoms may respond to complementary and alternative medical treatments (CAM). Through CAM therapies, practitioners assist the patient to be at the center of their care, empowering them to be emotionally and physically involved. Multi-disciplinary care, including urology, gynecology, gastroenterology, neurology, psychology, physiotherapy and pain medicine, is also identified to be the crux of adequate management of patients with chronic pelvic pain because of its variable etiology. The purpose of this review is to emphasize these changes and discuss management strategies.
authors.affiliation: 1 Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA ; 2 Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA ; 3 Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Megan Danielle
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Atchley
authors.affiliation: 1 Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA ; 2 Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA ; 3 Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Nima M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: 1 Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA ; 2 Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA ; 3 Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
authors.forename: Kristene E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Whitmore
keywords: Interstitial cystitis (IC); bladder pain syndrome (BPS); complementary and alternative medicine; percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
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