Preparing for your next doctor's visit?
Have you ever left an appointment and realized you forgot to discuss an MS symptom?
Register for My Conversation Starter.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms:
bowel or bladder problems
How can MS affect my bowel or bladder?
Some multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions can block or delay nerve messages that control the bladder and bowel. MS Symptoms can include:
- Increased frequency in urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Hesitancy in starting urination
- Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
- Leaking or incontinence
- Constipation
The most common problem is called "spastic" bladder. This happens when the bladder is unable to hold the normal amount of urine or does not empty properly. This can leave urine in the bladder and possibly lead to infection.
Get examined and treated early if you develop bladder or bowel issues, so that you can avoid any complications
Constipation is another concern for people with MS. Constipation may be caused by too little fluid intake, by your intestinal tract slowing down, by increased inactivity and/or by certain medications used to control bladder symptoms.
Dealing with bladder/bowel problems related to Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
One way to treat a bladder problem is to change your fluid intake (e.g., limit fluid intake a few hours before bedtime or cut out caffeine). Also, your health care professional may prescribe medications to help treat bladder problems.
Get examined and treated early if you develop bladder or bowel issues, so that you can avoid any complications, like bladder infections.
Here are some tips that may help you deal with bowel and bladder problems associated with MS:
- Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluid (preferably water) daily, but limit your fluid intake a few hours before bedtime to avoid frequent urination during the night.
- Avoid bladder irritants such as alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
- Include plenty of fiber in your diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals all contain fiber.
- Add exercise to your routine.
- Use medicines such as stool softeners as recommended by your health care professional.
- Establish a regular time and schedule for emptying the bowels.
- Wait no more than 2 to 3 days between bowel movements.
- Enemas, suppositories and laxatives may be used to help a bowel movement—talk with your health care professional before using any of these options.
Your health care professional can help you establish an effective bladder/bowel management program. Occasionally, it may be necessary to consult a gastroenterologist. He or she is a health care professional that specializes in treating the stomach and bowel.
mslifelines.com is brought to you by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc.
MS LifeLines is an educational support service for people living with MS and their families. MS LifeLines and MS LifeLines Ambassadors are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Speakers and MS LifeLines Ambassadors who participate in Talk MS or in live events are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. and Pfizer Inc. MS LifeLines is a registered trademark and UNIQUELY [you] is a service mark of EMD Serono, Inc. or its affiliates.
Copyright © 2011 EMD Serono, Inc. All rights reserved.
EMD Serono, Inc., One Technology Place, Rockland, MA 02370
Have questions or concerns?
Call MS LifeLines at 1-877-447-3243 anytime, day or night. A live representative will always answer your call.
