Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience some form of bladder or bowel issues. Incontinence is the most common symptom for people with MS and the severity and longevity varies from person to person. With the right information and support, incontinence can be managed effectively to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction can occur if nerve damage has affected the speed of nerve communication between the bladder and bowel and the brain.
There are several medications to control bladder frequency and urgency, prescribed by a doctor or continence adviser. There are also treatments to help manage constipation that you can buy over the counter. It is best to seek professional advice before purchase to ensure you use the best option for your needs.
Continence aids may help with your bladder or bowel issues. Speak with an MS nurse or continence adviser about tailored options to improve your individual situation.
Small changes can make a big difference to bladder and bowel control issues, such as an easy-to-access toilet or bathroom.
Peace of mind about toilet facilities and their locations can also make a big difference. Consider calling ahead to your destination to ensure there are adequate, accessible facilities or refer to the National Toilet Map.
For anyone with bladder problems, it’s still important to drink plenty of water to avoid complications such as urinary tract infections or constipation. Not enough water makes urine concentrated and irritates the bladder, causing more frequent urinating. Aim to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid daily (preferably water, but discuss other safe forms of fluid with your GP), in three or four intervals. This way, you maintain your fluid intake but don’t increase frequency. Avoid too much fluid for up to two hours before bed or going out.
A healthy bowel pattern also benefits from a well-balanced, high-fibre diet of foods such as oats, fruits (fresh, stewed or dried), vegetables and wholegrain or wholemeal foods including oatmeal, rice, wheat and barley, cereals and breads, also nuts and lentils.
Regular exercise is important for everyone, especially for people with MS. Even for those with limited mobility, exercise improves your body’s blood flow, including the gut, which helps prevent constipation. Regular exercise will also help you to maintain an ideal body weight. Excess body weight applies pressure to the area around your bladder and bowel.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises are another great way to help the bowel and bladder function properly and maintain continence.
Smoking can increase coughing and, in turn, the risk of incontinence. Smoking can also cause other health problems, and has even been linked with the development and progression of MS.
Even with bladder and bowel issues, you and your partner can still enjoy intimacy. Discuss this with your partner or, for a tailored plan, your MS nurse or continence adviser.
If you have bladder or bowel concerns talk to your GP or MS Nurse about medication, aids, diet and lifestyle adjustments. Tell your neurologist about new and/or persistent symptoms. For serious concerns, you may be referred to a urologist (bladder) or gastroenterologist (bowel).
Here to help you understand MS and answer your questions.
Includes information and resources to help you manage continence, bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Our friends at Coloplast are offering free sessions for you to learn more about managing your continence living with MS.
