Desert Harvest Featured in Global IC/BPS Guidelines

An overview of diagnosis and care according to the Global Guidelines for Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome / Hunner Lesion Desert Harvest Global Guidelines for Interstitial Cystitis / BPS

🌿 Navigating Life with IC/BPS: A Whole-Body Guide to Bladder Wellness

The Global Guidelines for Interstitial Cystitis / Bladder Pain Syndrome / Hunner Lesion

Explore support tools like lifestyle changes and Desert Harvest SSAV bladder support.

Living with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. At Desert Harvest, we’re here to help you understand your condition, find comfort, and reclaim your quality of life. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, this guide will walk you through what IC/BPS is. It will also describe how it’s diagnosed, and the many care options available: natural, gentle and compassionate.

What Is IC/BPS?

IC/BPS is a chronic bladder condition that causes recurring discomfort, pressure, and pain in the bladder and pelvic area. It often includes frequent and urgent urination. Sometimes, as many as 60 trips to the bathroom a day. While it affects all genders and ages, it’s most common in women and can disrupt daily life.

There are two primary forms:

  • Hunner Lesion IC: Characterized by visible ulcers or lesions in the bladder lining.
  • Non-Ulcer IC/BPS: No visible bladder damage, but symptoms are just as real.

IC/BPS is not a urinary tract infection, but many people are misdiagnosed with UTIs early on. Understanding your symptoms and finding the proper support is key.

How Is IC/BPS Diagnosed According to the Global Guidelines?

Because there’s no single test for IC/BPS, diagnosis often involves ruling out other conditions first. Conditions like urinary infections, endometriosis, or an overactive bladder. Your healthcare provider may use:

  • A detailed symptom history
  • Physical exams
  • Bladder diaries
  • Cystoscopy (a look inside the bladder)
  • Lab tests to rule out other causes

A symptom journal can help you and your provider spot patterns and identify triggers—an empowering step in your wellness journey.

Support Tools That Respect the Whole You

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are many options that may help reduce symptoms and improve daily life. A blended approach is often the most helpful.

💊 Medical Therapies

  • Oral medications: Amitriptyline, hydroxyzine, Elmiron® (PPS)
  • Bladder instillations: Heparin, lidocaine, DMSO
  • Pelvic floor therapy: Gentle, internal physical therapy (no Kegels!)
  • Bladder-friendly diet: Avoiding caffeine, acidic foods, alcohol, and spicy items

🌱 Natural & Integrative Support

Many people use complementary therapies to help manage symptoms and support bladder wellness.

At Desert Harvest, we offer natural, research-backed products developed explicitly with the IC/BPS community in mind:

Living Well with IC/BPS

IC/BPS affects every part of your life—sleep, intimacy, emotional well-being, and even your ability to travel or work. But comfort is possible with a personalized care plan, support system, and access to natural wellness tools.

Remember: progress isn’t linear. Some days are hard, but each day is an opportunity to learn what feels right for your body.

We’re With You

Desert Harvest’s mission is to walk beside you with science-backed products, honest information, and heartfelt support. We believe wellness should be simple, empowering, and rooted in nature.

If you’re ready to take the next step, dive in. Explore our IC/BPS support collection, connect with our wellness experts, or reach out. We’re here for you.
Read the Global Guidelines for Interstitial Cystitis / BPS featuring Desert Harvest:

Read the IPBF Brochure IC-BPS Diagnosis-Treatment Here

Your journey matters. Your voice matters. And with the right tools, wellness is possible.

🌼 You’ve got this—and we’ve got you.
—The Desert Harvest Team