Multiple sclerosis and bladder dysfunction

What is multiple sclerosis? 

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that interferes with nerve cells in the brain and in the spinal cord. The term ‘sclerosis’ actually means scarring, and ‘multiple’ relates to the fact that the scarring can occur in many different places in the brain and spinal cord. In people with multiple sclerosis, the messages from the brain carried by the nerves are interrupted and can interfere with a wide range of bodily functions. 

What are the symptoms?  

Some of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are: 

• Vision problems 
• Fatigue 
• Thinking/ memory problems 
• Bladder and bowel problems 
• Physical limitations such as balance disorders and lack of muscle power 

Each person is affected differently depending on how much and where the nerves have been damaged. 

Why does multiple sclerosis cause bladder issues?

The bladder, which stores urine, is controlled by the nervous system. Because multiple sclerosis damages nerves, bladder function may be affected. Some people find that they need to urinate more frequently or urgently, whereas others experience difficulty emptying the bladder. Some people with multiple sclerosis may experience occasional urinary incontinence.