Bladder Instillations

A bladder instillation is sometimes referred as a bladder bath or wash.

Patients living with a chronic bladder inflammation condition known as interstitial cystitis (IC) may experience recurring discomfort that ranges from mild to severe. In addition to frequent urination and a recurring urge to go, IC sometimes results in general pain in the pelvic area that can affect quality of life.

There is no cure for IC.
However, there are certain treatments that may minimize discomfort. One such treatment is regular bladder instillations.

Bladder Instillation for Interstitial Cystitis

Bladder instillation is used to help relieve bladder discomfort

The treatment places medication directly inside the bladder

Instillations are often repeated as part of ongoing treatment

There are certain treatments that may minimize discomfort. One such treatment is regular bladder instillations. A bladder instillation is a treatment that involves filling the bladder with a solution, leaving it in place for a short period of time, and then draining the solution with a catheter.

Conditions Treated With Bladder Instillation

Other than IC, bladder instillations may be recommended for patients experiencing certain bladder-related complications or conditions.

Sediment accumulation in urine that may interfere with bladder function.

Blocked catheters that require flushing to restore proper drainage.

Recurring urinary tract infections that may benefit from bladder treatments.

Limited bladder capacity that contributes to frequent urination.

Solutions Used for Bladder Instillation

DMSO is the only FDA-approved solution for bladder instillation.

Some urologists combine DMSO with additional medications.

Heparin may help repair damage to the bladder lining.

Heparin may also help reduce interstitial cystitis relapse rates.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is the only solution specifically approved by the FDA for bladder instillation treatment. It’s not known exactly how DMSO works. However, it may effectively ease bladder discomfort, relax pelvic and bladder muscles, and improve bladder capacity.

How a Bladder Instillation Is Performed

A catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder

The pre-measured solution is placed into the bladder

The solution remains in place for about fifteen minutes

The solution is drained through the catheter afterward

When a bladder instillation treatment is done, the DMSO solution is pre-measured. A catheter is inserted into the tube that leads to the bladder from the outside of the body, which is called the urethra. The solution is usually left in place for about 15 minutes before being released in the reverse direction through the catheter. Treatments are typically given every few weeks, although a urologist may recommend a specific schedule based on how the patient responds to each bladder wash.

After Bladder Instillation Treatment

What Patients May Notice

While each patient responds differently to bladder instillations, improvements are often seen within three to four weeks after treatment begins. Treatments performed as outpatient in-office procedures are usually done in cycles lasting six to eight weeks. If the bladder baths are helping to relieve symptoms, the cycle may be repeated.

Monitoring Between Treatments

A urologist might perform visual inspections of the bladder between treatments to look for signs of other problems with the urinary system. Since regular catheter use sometimes increases the risk of urinary tract infections, patients may also be checked for signs of UTIs.

Lifestyle Adjustments

IC sufferers may notice more consistent relief if bladder instillations are combined with lifestyle adjustments. With diet, this means avoiding excessively spicy and acidic foods that tend to irritate the bladder. Since IC may also be aggravated by physical and mental stress, relaxation techniques and gentle exercises like yoga may be beneficial. A urologist might also suggest TENS and other forms of electrical stimulation and bladder training exercises.