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Kate Dyson

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Kate is a content writer, social media obsessive and community creator. She's also mum to three kids, two dogs and unsurprisingly, a lover of wine.

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Glossary

For words you might want to know more

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a chronic, immune-mediated disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the protective sheath around nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a range of neurological symptoms.

Bladder Dysfunction

This term refers to problems with storing or releasing urine, often manifesting as frequent urination, difficulty fully emptying the bladder, or unintentional loss of urine (incontinence), which can be caused by neurological conditions like MS.

Symptom Recognition

Symptom recognition refers to the importance of identifying both primary and lesser-known symptoms of MS-related bladder issues, including those reported anecdotally, to better manage the condition and advocate for personal health.

What Are the Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis Related Bladder Issues?

It might surprise you to learn that bladder issues are quite common among people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In fact, roughly 80% of those living with MS experience some form of urinary dysfunction, a statistic that often goes unspoken amidst the more familiar symptoms associated with the condition.

Understanding the complexities of our bodies is a continuous journey. Despite being lesser-known, these symptoms are experienced by many people with MS and can significantly impact quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis and Bladder Function

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the central nervous system. It disturbs the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and the body. Unfortunately, this disruption can extend to bladder function as well.

Bladder dysfunction in MS is largely due to a breakdown in the intricate communication system between the bladder and the nervous system. This miscommunication can manifest in several ways, leading to varied and sometimes subtle symptoms.

Recognising the Primary Symptoms

Let's take a look at the most common symptoms of MS-related bladder issues:

Frequency and Urgency

The bladder can send "I'm full" signals to the brain too frequently, even when it's not actually full. As a result, people may feel the need to urinate more often than usual, sometimes urgently. This feeling might come out of nowhere, leading to rushed trips to the loo.

Incomplete Emptying and Retention

Sometimes, the bladder doesn't empty completely during urination. This can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure even after using the toilet, and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Nocturia

Nocturia, or waking up frequently to urinate at night, is another symptom to look out for. Disrupted sleep is not something anyone needs on top of the daily grind, and it's important to recognise it as a potential sign of MS-related bladder issues.

Beyond the Obvious: Lesser Known Symptoms

Now, let's talk about some of the less obvious, yet still significant, symptoms that aren't as often reported but could be key to diagnosis.

Hesitancy

Sometimes, you may find it hard to start urinating, even when your bladder feels full. This is known as hesitancy, and it's more common in MS-related bladder issues than you might think (6).

Double Voiding

Some people find that they need to urinate twice within a short span of time. This is called double voiding, and it's due to the bladder not emptying completely the first time.

Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is when laughter, sneezing, or physical activity cause urine to leak. It can be embarrassing, but it's important to remember that this symptom is relatively common in MS.

Listen to the Anecdotes

Medicine is not an exact science, and sometimes, patients report symptoms that are not commonly recognised in the textbooks. Symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, increased frequency of UTIs, or changes in the colour or smell of urine are worth paying attention to.

Empowerment through better understanding

Understanding MS-related bladder issues can be empowering. The more we know about our bodies, the better we can communicate with healthcare professionals and advocate for our own wellbeing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to speak up and get the care you need. After all, knowledge is power.

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