Approximately 15% of IC patients have profound, extremely painful areas of inflammation in the bladder wall known as Hunner’s Lesions (formerly Hunner’s Ulcers). These larger, bleeding wounds in the bladder represent the most severe form of interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome. Research released in 2014 (Van Der AA, et al. ) found that Hunner’s lesions patients had the polyoma virus in their urine. Additional studies have also found the Epstein-Barr virus in some lesion patients and, as of 2023, studies have begun testing antiviral medications as a possible treatment.

In August of 2024, a new study was released studying lactoferrin. The results were very encouraging, showing a dramatic decrease in urinary symptoms and pain in the 31 patients who participated, the majority of whom (28 out of 31) experienced no flares after treatment. They found a dramatic reduction Hunner’s lesions and inflammation in the bladder.(1)  No side effects were noted in the study. This follows a study in 2022 which found it effective at reducing e-coli driven recurring UTI.(2)

Hunner’s lesions must be diagnosed through cystoscopy, often utilizing hydrodistention. Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize that Hunner’s ulcers require separate bladder wall specific treatment.

PATIENT TIP – If you are going to have a hydrodistention, it’s important to talk with your doctor about how they will be treating any ulcers they find. To NOT treat an ulcer is a lost opportunity that could result in long periods of pain and discomfort and require additional hydrodistention.

Last updated in 2022, the AUA Treatment Guidelines outline current treatments for Hunner’s lesions including: fulguration, laser therapy and/or the injection of triamcinolone into the center of the ulcer. New research has also found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy and/or platelet rich plasma may be helpful though these require additional studies. Click here to read more and review the research.

Suggested Reading:

  1. Wang J, et al. Lactoferrin, a Great Wall of host-defence? Biometals. 2023 Jun;36(3):385-390. doi: 10.1007/s10534-023-00502-z. Epub 2023 Apr 25.
  2. Conte AL,  et al. Effect of bovine lactoferrin on recurrent urinary tract infections: in vitro and in vivo evidences. Biometals. 2023 Jun;36(3):491-507. Epub 2022 Jun 29.
  3. Rosa L, et al. LACTOFERRIN IN THE TREATMENT OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY. Biochem Cell Biol. 2024 Aug 1. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39088844.

TikTok Video

@icnetworkjill IV Aeareness Daily Fact 12 – Hunner’s lesions can cause severe pain but respond well to trratment. There is hope! #ictok #icawareness ♬ original sound – IC Network

Past Images

Hunner's lesions often respond well to treatment but they can recur.