The purpose of this study is to assess the use of peppermint oil as a treatment for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS).
After being informed about the study and potential risks, all participants will complete validated IC/BPS symptom questionnaires for baseline screening. Once participants meet eligibility requirements and give written informed consent they will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to peppermint oil (200mg TID) or placebo (also TID). Participants will complete validated IC/BPS questionnaires and follow up surveys over 8 weeks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
100
Enteric coated peppermint oil taken by mouth three times daily for 8 weeks.
Enteric coated coconut oil taken by mouth three times daily for 8 weeks
Springs Medical Center
Louisville, Kentucky, United States
RECRUITINGO'Leary/Sant questionnaire scores
Participant responses to the O'Leary/Sant questionnaire assessing IC/BPS symptoms will be compared at baseline and after starting treatment with peppermint oil.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency questionnaire scores
Participant responses to the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency questionnaire assessing IC/BPS symptoms will be compared at baseline and after starting treatment with peppermint oil.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Urine pH
Changes in urine pH on urine dipstick from clinically indicated lab collections at the time of office visits during the study period
Time frame: 8 weeks
Incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Culture proven UTIs during the study period (\>100,000 CFU of a single pathogen)
Time frame: 8 weeks
Additional IC/BPS Treatments received
Number and type of additional IC/BPS each participant undergoes
Time frame: 8 weeks
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