MS Symptoms (2) - Bladder and Bowel

Bladder and Bowel Problems

These are symptoms that not everyone wants to talk about, however bladder and bowel problems occur commonly in MS, and can range form mild incontinence to constipation.

1. Bladder problems include the need to pass water frequently and/or urgently,incomplete emptying or emptying at inappropriate times.
2. Bowel problems include constipation and, infrequently, loss of bowel control.

Why does MS affect the bladder?

When MS damages myelin in the central nervous system, messages between the brain and the section of the spinal cord that controls the bladder can be interrupted, resulting in bladder problems. 

The most common bladder problems are:

• urgency (the feeling of having to empty the bladder immediately)
• frequency (an increase in the number of times urination occurs)
• nocturia (frequent urination during the night)
• incontinence (the inability to hold urine in the bladder)
• hesitancy (difficulty in beginning to urinate)
• Treating and managing bladder problems

Bowel Problems

Constipation is the most common bowel symptom in MS. A bowel management programme includes dietary manipulation (such as increasing fibrecontent), increasing fluid intake (which may create difficulty for those with bladder problems), and ensuring a regular and sufficient time for bowel movements. Varying combinations of fibre, stool softeners and peristaltic stimulants are usually needed.