Treatment for Incontinence, Pain and Recurrent UTI
About Your Bladder
In a healthy bladder there is a natural barrier that protects the bladder lining from irritating and toxic substances found in urine.
This barrier is called the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer.
Symptoms of Bladder Lining Damage
If the bladder’s natural barrier is damaged, urine comes into direct contact with the tissues of the bladder lining and, over time, can cause damage to these tissues, as well as allowing bacteria to adhere.
This damage can lead to a range of problems that cause symptoms, such as
- pain
- urgency (incontinence where you need to go to the toilet immediately)
- frequency (incontinence where you need to go to the toilet more often), and
- recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs).
The condition is sometimes referred to as Painful Bladder Syndrome or Cystitis.
Conditions Relating to Painful Bladder Syndrome?
Bladder lining damage can lead to pain and chronic inflammation and is related to:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Painful bladder syndrome
- Damage to the bladder lining caused by chemotherapy
- Damage to the bladder lining caused by radiation to the pelvis
Cystitis Treatments
iAluRil is a medical device designed to treat patients where the loss of components of the bladder lining can cause the following conditions:
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Chemical Cystitis
- Radiotherapy-induced Cystitis
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
How does iAluRil Treat Cystitis?
iAluRil contains two of the most common natural components that form the protective GAG layer.
The compound works directly on the bladder lining to help form a protective barrier between the bladder lining, and the irritant compounds found in urine.
By administering iAluRil directly into the bladder, these components help repair the damage to the GAG layer and restore the bladder’s protective coating.
The treatments aim overtime is to progressively relieve the patient's symptoms.
Administering iAluRil Treatment
At Dr Alexander’s urogynaecology clinic, our team either administer iAluRil directly into the bladder using a thin tube catheter or they can help train patients how to self administer.
Patients find the process a relatively simple, painless and routine procedure in the rooms
iAluRil Treatment Plan
iAluRil® treatment begins with a course of instillations
- First Month - weekly instillations
- Second Month - fortnightly instillations
- After this - instillations are given once every month until symptoms settle down.
Once the symptoms have improved, the interval between instillations can be increased slowly until you are happy that the regular doses are enough to keep symptoms under control.
If the symptoms reoccur, the initial course of instillations can be repeated in order to help settle the symptoms down again.
Your Next Step
If you are experiencing any symptoms of Bladder Lining Damage or Cystitis or are concerned about any gyneacological problem that may require further investigation take action.
Dr Alexander can offer advice on a possible diagnosis, further investigations and suitable treatment.
For patients suffering from recurrent urinary tract infections, we would advise that you see your general practitioner and possibly obtain a referral to see Dr Alexander at http://www.my-obgyn.com.au/