How to treat IC Flare Symptoms and Prevent Them

Treatment:
- Drink lots of water! - flush out unwanted particles (ie: bacteria)
- Alternate (every 20 min) between hot an cold packs applied to perineum (women: between anus and vagina, men: between anus and base of penis). I also apply the packs to my urethra as well as I tend to have a lot of urethral spasms.
- mix 1 tsp of baking soda in a large glass of water to decrease alkalinity in bladder.
- Ask doc for pyridium: its an analgesic that numbs the bladder thus decreasing pain from bladder spasms (it turns your urine a bright orange, don't wear any underwear that you don't mind being stained, sticking with black cotton might be a good idea).
- Squatting can help relax pelvic muscles.
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Prevention:
- Activities such as running, sitting for a prolonged period of time, riding a bike,  and sexual activity can irritate the bladder/urethra. Yoga, pilates, lifting weights, working at a standing desk, and walking may be less irritating.
- Sex: shower both before and after sex to ensure unwanted particles do not enter the urinary tract, also pee immediately after sex (drink water right before sex to ensure you have something to pee out afterwards).
- Menstruation: Some women find that the chemicals in pads can cause urethral irritation, Always Infinity pads and liners have been reported to bother some IC sufferers. Instead try Seventh Generation pads and liners. They are chlorine free (free of almost all chemicals in fact) and you can find this brand at super store and extra foods in the natural section.
- Stay well hydrated: find a water bottle you like (stainless steel and glass are best for not shedding particles of the bottles into water over time) and take it with you everywhere. Avoid caffienated beverages and excessive alcohol. If you are not experiencing a flare and want your cup of coffee try finding a low-acid coffee (puroast - on amazon.com, among others).
- Yoga/Meditation: these will help you stay relaxed which reduces your body's flare reaction. Take time out for your self on a regular basis.
- Clothing: avoid tight fitting clothes, especially jeans, and stick to cotton panties (avoid thongs as they transmit bacteria from anus to urethra easily).
- Food: avoid food high in acidity. (specifics discussed in other posts).