What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial Cystitis (IC), is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain, and - it is something we get asked about a lot. Namely, can Silky Peach help with IC?

Our response? YES! IC is a disease of undetermined cause; however, inflammation is thought to be a key player.

Can Your Prove It?

This study found that, “there was a significant positive effect of local estrogen therapy on urinary and sexual function following 12 weeks, as well as an improvement of vaginal health. The results of this open study indicate that 12 weeks of local estriol cream at vaginal and vestibular level may ameliorate urinary/bladder pain symptoms, and may improve sexual function. The association between vulvar pain and bladder pain could, therefore, be related to a vaginal environment carrying signs of hypoestrogenism, (too little estrogen) but further studies are needed to clarify this issue.”

Um... What?!

Now, if you don’t have a degree in biochem, here is what that means in people-ese. The cells in the pelvis, around the bladder, the vagina, and the whole perineum have lots of receptors for estrogen. If the body puts receptors there, then estrogen will have a necessary effect on those cells. Estrogen is important for keeping cells healthy, for building their ability to fight bacterial invaders, and have a strong immune function. As estrogen drops at menopause and beyond, we no longer have the supply of estrogen to help those cells to stay healthy. This often results in low grade chronic infections in the vagina, the bladder, and the urethra. The pH level in these areas starts to rise and that increases the chance that bacteria can take hold, which contributes further to the inflammation.

How Does Estriol Help?

Using estriol cream - such as Silky Peach - can gradually rebuild the amount of estriol in the whole area. A good analogy is that of a sponge; imagine a dried out sponge that gets a drop of water added every day, eventually it will swell back up. Thus, with levels of estriol increased, the body has a better ability to fight off infection.

The cream may have a stinging sensation to begin with; this is because the skin is likely raw and inflamed and adding anything will sting, no matter what. Over time, the cells will rejuvenate and heal. The acidity will increase again (a good thing) and the ability of the body to overcome infection will be improved. There are other steps you can take to help ensure you have healthy inner skin – read our Top tips for your ladybits.

We will add - if the stinging does not clear up - it’s time for a heart to heart with your doctor about some prescription strength estriol solutions to get you past the worst of it before carrying on with a regular therapeutic treatment...like Silky Peach!