Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Incontinence

Approximately, 3 in 4 people with MS will suffer with continence problems. Bladder and bowel problems can come and go and can be more pronounced at some times than at other times.

It is difficult to discuss your continence problems but it is important to talk to a health professional as there is help and support available.

Incontinence can be common for MS sufferers, however, just because you have MS does not necessarily mean that your continence problem is caused by your MS. Incontinence can be caused by MS, and it could also be caused indirectly by the effects of another MS symptom or it may not be related to MS at all.

If a bladder or bowel problem is caused by nerve damage which results from MS, then the dysfunction will be called ‘neuropathic’ or ‘neurogenic’. This means that there is damage to the nerves which are meant to control the way that your bladder and bowel work.

Incontinence can also develop as a ‘secondary symptom’ which means that incontinence can be caused by another symptom and not directly by MS nerve damage. These symptoms can include:

• Getting to a toilet in time. MS makes moving about difficult which can cause problems in getting to a toilet. A visit to an occupational therapist may be able to help with these problems.
• Restricted physical activity can often lead to constipation and poor muscle tone which can then lead to bladder and bowel problems. A physiotherapist could help and set an exercise programme which could help to alleviate problems.

Your continence problem could be completely unrelated to your MS and be a separate condition which you will need to investigate.