Why Bladder Issues Are Common in MS
More than 50% of patients with MS will experience urinary issues during their illness. Overactive bladder is common, and nerve damage can cause frequent and uncontrollable urges to urinate, even when the bladder isn’t full.
How MS Disrupts Bladder Function
Incomplete bladder emptying is also very frequent. The pelvic floor muscles and the sphincter around the urethra may contract involuntarily during urination.
These involuntary contractions are one of the many factors affecting bladder control in MS, which can make complete emptying difficult.
This closes the urethra and prevents the bladder from emptying fully. The remaining urine gives the sensation of needing to urinate again, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom than if the bladder were completely emptied.
Managing Urination Challenges with MS
MS can progress rapidly so urination may be more difficult during certain periods and relatively easier at others. It is crucial to systematically address bladder emptying problems. Residual urine can lead to urinary tract infections, which in turn may trigger new relapses or mimic previous ones.
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