Interstitial Cystitis & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Understanding Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the protective lining of the bladder, causing pain, urinary urgency, and frequent urination. Once thought to affect only women, it is now recognized in men as well. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve immune and inflammatory dysfunction rather than infection. Over time, inflammation can lead to scaring of the bladder wall, reducing its capacity and worsening symptoms.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been shown to significantly improve bladder health, reduce pain, and restore bladder function in patients with IC. In a large study of over 200 patients, more than 96% reported substantial improvement in their symptoms after HBOT, with no worsening effects reported.

Inflammation & Symptom Relief

Reduces inflammation (how & why this matters)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) raises the partial pressure of oxygen in blood and tissues. That high-oxygen environment alters inflammatory signaling — it can lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and shift immune cells toward tissue-protective behaviors. The net effect in the bladder is reduced inflammatory irritation of the urothelial lining, which helps stop the cycle of damage caused by urine and inflammatory chemicals.

Decreases pain (mechanism and effect)
HBOT can reduce pain through several complementary pathways: it dampens inflammatory mediators that sensitize nerves, and it promotes release/modulation of endogenous pain-modulating systems (including activity at mu and kappa opioid receptor pathways). Clinically this often translates into measurable reductions in bladder pain and urgency, allowing patients to have improve

Inflammation & Symptom Relief
Tissue Repair, Regeneration & Cellular Energy

Tissue Repair, Regeneration & Cellular Energy

Promotes healing and reduces scarring (tissue-level changes)
By increasing the oxygen available to damaged bladder tissue, HBOT supports collagen remodeling, epithelial regeneration, and fibroblast function in a way that favors healthy repair over disorganized scar formation. That means the protective bladder lining (urothelium) has a better chance to recover its barrier role, reducing ongoing exposure of underlying tissue to irritants.

Encourages new blood-vessel growth (angiogenesis)
HBOT stimulates growth factors (for example, VEGF and related signals) that promote angiogenesis — the formation of new capillaries. Improved microcirculation delivers nutrients and immune cells to previously hypoxic or inflamed bladder areas, accelerating repair and increasing the resilience of the tissue to future insults.

Stimulates stem/progenitor cell mobilization
Exposure to hyperbaric oxygen has been shown to mobilize bone-marrow–derived stem and progenitor cells into the bloodstream and increase their homing to injured tissues. Those cells contribute to structural repair and to the local microenvironment that supports regeneration of the bladder wall.

Enhances cellular energy (mitochondrial support)
HBOT boosts oxygen availability to mitochondria, improving ATP production and mitochondrial function (often described as enhanced cellular energetics). Cells with better energy supplies can carry out reparative tasks more effectively — proliferating, synthesizing repair proteins, and maintaining barrier function — which speeds recovery of bladder tissue.

FAQ - Interstitial Cystitis

  • Is it safe for bladder conditions like Interstitial Cystitis?

    Yes. When performed under medical supervision, HBOT is very safe and well-tolerated by patients with Interstitial Cystitis. At Noah Clinics, every session is closely monitored to ensure comfort and safety. Many patients even find the sessions relaxing, and no adverse bladder effects have been reported in IC studies.

  • How long does each treatment last?

    For Interstitial Cystitis, each treatment typically lasts about 60 minutes at 2.0 ATA (comparable to being 33 feet underwater). You’ll breathe 100% oxygen while resting comfortably in the chamber, with brief “air breaks” built into the session for safety and optimal oxygen balance.

  • How many sessions are needed to notice improvement?

    Most patients begin noticing relief from bladder discomfort, urgency, or pelvic pain after just a few sessions. A full course of 15–20 treatments—performed daily or several times per week—typically provides the most consistent and lasting improvement.

  • Will I still need to see my urologist during HBOT treatment?

    Yes. HBOT works best as part of a comprehensive care plan. You should continue working with your urologist, especially for dietary guidance, bladder instillation therapy, or pelvic floor rehabilitation. HBOT complements these treatments by reducing inflammation, supporting tissue repair, and enhancing overall bladder health.

  • Are the results from HBOT lasting for Interstitial Cystitis?

    Yes. Many patients experience long-term reduction in pain and urinary frequency, along with improved bladder comfort and function. Results are most sustainable when paired with proper follow-up care, healthy lifestyle choices, and continued urologic management.

Ready to Learn How HBOT Can Help You?

If you’re struggling with bladder pain or interstitial cystitis, our team at Noah Clinics offers a complimentary consultation to help you explore whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is right for you.

Schedule your complimentary consult today and take the first step toward healing and comfort.

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+1 (212) 981 5557