Interstitial Cystitis Association

The Interstitial Cystitis Association of America (ICA) is a voluntary, non-profit organization working on behalf of all individuals with interstitial cystitis (IC), an inflammatory disease of the bladder in which chronic inflammation of the lining of the bladder and swelling of the bladder’s interior walls result in pressure and pain above the pubic area and frequency and urgency of urination. Established in 1984 by individuals with interstitial cystitis, the association is dedicated to providing affected individuals with the most current information on the disease; offering a support network to affected individuals and their families; increasing awareness of the disease among the medical community and the general public; and establishing a national database to compile and study data concerning interstitial cystitis and promote research to find an effective treatment and cure for IC. The Interstitial Cystitis Association of America also promotes patient advocacy; testifies before Congress to support legislation beneficial to people with IC; funds several research projects for interstitial cystitis including its own Pilot Research Project Program; and conducts ICA national meetings and scientific workshops for interstitial cystitis researchers. It offers a variety of materials to affected individuals and the medical community including a regular newsletter, reports, journal article reprints, transcripts of workshops, brochures, videos, and audio tapes.