For Interstitial Cystitis (IC), nerve blocks, like pudendal nerve blocks and superior hypogastric plexus blocks, can provide pain relief by blocking pain signals, and may be considered as a treatment option, especially for difficult to manage IC cases.
What are Nerve Blocks? Nerve blocks involve injecting a local anesthetic or other medication near specific nerves to temporarily block pain signals from reaching the brain.
Pudendal Nerve Blocks: These target the pudendal nerve, which runs through the pelvic floor and can be involved in pain associated with IC.
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Blocks: These target the superior hypogastric plexus, a network of nerves in the pelvis that can also be a source of pain in IC.
How they work: By blocking these nerves, nerve blocks can help reduce pain, improve bladder function, and enhance quality of life for individuals with IC.
Refractory Interstitial Cystitis: Nerve blocks are often considered for cases of IC that haven’t responded well to other treatments.
Ultrasound guidance can help ensure accurate placement of the needle during nerve blocks, according to a study published in Cureus.
Note: The duration of pain relief from nerve blocks can vary, and some individuals may require multiple treatments.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.
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TREATING INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS 