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The Ultimate IC Friendly Bathroom

Having IC is challenging. ICers should make sure to have some small   pleasures that will make those restroom moments more bearable. To avoid unnecessary bladder infections, you need to make sure that the bathroom stays clean. Here are some ideas!

    1. Linens that Comfort you!

  • Once a year donate your old, ratty towels and /or rugs to your local animal shelter and buy yourself some soft, warm and cozy towels and mats. Keep towels clean by washing atleast twice a week.
  • 2. Candles to please you!

  • If you are like most IC patients, you probably have a very sensitive sense of smell and the smell that bothers you the most usually originates from the bathroom. Yet most bathroom sprays are just too strong. Look for a gently scented citrus scented candle like orange or grapefruit for a clean fresh aroma.
  • 3. Soaps that don’t irritate you!

  • With your sensitive skin and/or vulvodynia, most mass market soaps are too harsh for the skin. The IC friendliest soaps to use in the shower or bath are Basis for Sensitive Skin or a plain Dove Bar. At your sink, you might find bar soaps too messy. Use liquid soaps for your hands, preferably those for sensitive skin.
  • 4. Tissues that please you!

  • There’s nothing worse than needing to use the restroom only to discover no toilet tissue. Yikes!! Buy toilet tissue in bulk and always keep at least two new rolls in your bathroom. Patients struggling with vulvodynia might find facial tissues softer that regular toilet tissues however, if used in quantity, may cause clogs in pipe.
  • 5. Water to soothe you!

  • If you struggle with “urine burn”, vulvodynia or rectal discomfort, a periwash bottle is a must addition to your toilet routine. Simply fill with water and rinse off your sensitive areas each time you use the facilities. Not only will this calm and soothe your vulva and perineum, it also helps keep bacteria at bay.

Yes, it might take a few hours to get your bathroom organized for the New Year, but it’s worth it in the long run! You deserve it! Enjoy!

courtesy : IC Optimist

References
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  3. Van de Merve JP, Nordling J, Bouchelouche P, et al. Diagnostic criteria, classification, and nomenclaturefor painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis: An ESSIC proposal. European Urology. 2008;53(1):60-67.
  4. Hanno PM. Interstitial cystitis - Epidemiology, Diagnostic criteria, Clinical Markers. Rev Urol. 2002;4(1):S3-S8.
  5. Heck BN. Interstitial cystitis:Enhancing early identification in primary care settings. JNP. 2007;3(8):509-519.
  6. Mattox TF. Interstitial cystitis in adolscents and children:a review. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2004;17:7-11.
  7. Teichman JMH, Parsons CL. Contemporary clincal presentation of interstitial cystitis. Urology. 2007;69(4A):41-47.
  8. Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. Screening, treatment, and management of IC/PBS. www arhp org. Accessed March 9, 2009.
  9. Evans RJ. Pathophysiology and clinical presentation of interstitial cystitis. Avd Stud Pharm. 2005;8-14.
  10. National Kidney and Urologic diseases Information Clearinghouse(NKUDIC). Interstitial cystitis/ painful bladder syndrome. www kidney niddk nih gov. Accessed March 9, 2009.