Interstitial Cystitis Association

Chronic pelvic pain affects millions of women, and it's finally getting the attention it deserves.

NPR's 1A recently dedicated a segment to chronic pelvic pain in women as part of their "In Good Health" series. For those of us in the IC/BPS community, we know how important it is to bring visibility to conditions that are so often dismissed, misdiagnosed, or overlooked.

Conversations like these help break the silence and validate what so many of our community members experience every day.

🎧 Listen here: https://the1a.org/segments/in-good-health-chronic-pelvic-pain-in-women/

If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it—a friend, a family member, or even a healthcare provider. The more we talk about chronic pelvic pain, the closer we get to better understanding, better care, and better outcomes for everyone living with IC and related conditions.

💬 Have you listened? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

For Men's Health Month 🩵

IC/BPS isn't just a woman's disease. An estimated 2.1 million men in the U.S. are living with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), yet nearly half were first misdiagnosed with prostatitis before getting the right answer.

The symptoms? Bladder pain that worsens as the bladder fills. Frequency. Nocturia. Pain in the pelvis, perineum, or sc***um. Sound familiar?

If you or a man in your life has been told "it's just your prostate" but treatments aren't working, it may be time to ask about IC/BPS.

This Men's Health Month, let's close the awareness gap. Men deserve answers, too.

➡Get involved with Men’s Health Month at menshealthmonth.org.

➡Learn about IC/BPS at ichelp.org.

The recording of our latest ICA Monthly Webinar Series is now live! In this webinar, urologist Dr. Joseph DiTrolio discussed the science behind Prelief and its role in dietary management of IC/BPS.

Watch now to learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr5Mxde3sGA

This webinar was sponsored by DSE Healthcare Solutions, LLC, makers of Prelief.

All of our previous webinars are also available on the ICA's YouTube channel!

Take Control of Interstitial Cystitis: How Diet & Prelief® Can Help (5/29/26) ICA Monthly Webinar SeriesWhile not a factor for everyone in the IC/BPS community, there are many who report diet as a significant factor in managing their c...

Coming soon: the Spring/Summer 2026 ICA Update!

This edition focuses on IC/BPS and sexual health, including ways to maintain or restore intimacy while living with IC/BPS, the role of pelvic floor physical therapy, communication with partners, patient stories, research updates, and more.

Be on the lookout for the digital copy, coming soon to the ICA community!

Hard copies of this issue will be mailed to supporters who donated $50 or more during the current mailing cycle. Donations received now (ichelp.org/donate) will help support ICA’s ongoing education, advocacy, and community programs and will count toward receiving a hard copy of the Fall/Winter 2026 edition of the ICA Update.

Thank you for helping us continue to provide trusted resources for people living with IC/BPS. 💙

Conquering IC/BPS. Changing Lives.

The ICA is grateful to our corporate partners who help us keep our resources free for our community. Today, we'd like to highlight Desert Harvest. You can learn more about them and their products at desertharvest.com.

*While we share ads and information regularly about these partners, please remember that the ICA does not recommend any specific product. Please consult your healthcare team before beginning any new treatment.

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Join the ICA for our next free webinar in our Monthly Webinar Series on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern!

While not a factor for everyone in the IC/BPS community, there are many who report diet as a significant factor in managing their condition. In this webinar, urologist Dr. Joseph DiTrolio will discuss the science behind Prelief and its role in dietary management of IC/BPS.

➡Save your spot by registering here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988097798032?aff=oddtdtcreator

Your confirmation email will include an option to add the event to your calendar and access your tickets, along with a link to join the webinar.

This webinar is sponsored by DSE Health Solutions, makers of Prelief.

This Memorial Day, the Interstitial Cystitis Association honors and remembers the brave service members who gave their lives for our country.

We also recognize the veterans, military families, and loved ones in our community who carry their legacy forward. Today, we pause with gratitude, reflection, and respect.