DMSO (Dimethyl Sulphoxide)
This treatment involves distilling DMSO into the bladder by catheterisation. It is believed to reduce pain and inflammation and can provide relief in up to 70% of cases. It was first used in the 1960's by Dr. Stanley Jacob in Portland and is considered a safe drug with minimal side-effects.
Some patients find they have a garlic-like taste and odour for 1 or 2 days after treatment as the solvent is excreted through the lungs. Initially, there may be cystitis-like symptoms with urethral burning during voiding but these usually settle down within a day or two. Some patients have been offered the drugs Oxybutinin (or Ditropan) immediately after to settle down bladder spasms. This information we have discovered through the application forms members have kindly filled in.
The treatment is usually given for 6-8 weeks at fortnightly intervals. A catheter is placed into the bladder and the DMSO solution is held in place for up to 15 minutes. Some people may find this painful. The solution is then voided out.
If some improvement is found the treatments can be repeated when necessary.