What to know about bladder problems and MS

Last updated Sept. 23, 2025 by Agata Boxe
✅ Fact-checked by Inês Martins, PhD

 

Bladder dysfunction is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) that can affect both your physical and emotional well-being. It may disrupt your personal and professional life in ways that are sometimes frustrating and discouraging.

Understanding why bladder dysfunction occurs with MS and learning how to recognize and manage it can help you feel more in control.

Causes of bladder dysfunction with MS

MS is caused by inflammatory attacks that damage the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts communication between nerve cells and leads to MS symptoms.

Nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system are involved in controlling the bladder. Because MS affects how these nerves work, bladder control can be affected as well.

For example, MS can cause an overactive bladder that does not hold the normal amount of urine, or a bladder that does not empty fully. Some people with MS experience a combination of both issues, which can be especially challenging to manage.

Signs of bladder dysfunction with MS

Recognizing bladder changes early is important so you can get the right support and treatment.

Signs of bladder dysfunction with MS include:

  • getting up more than once a night to urinate
  • feeling the need to urinate more often than you used to
  • having to rush to the toilet to avoid an accident
  • leaking urine or having accidents
  • having trouble starting a flow of urine
  • experiencing a slow or intermittent urinary stream.

Diagnosing bladder dysfunction with MS

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward finding the right treatment approach for you.

To help determine the specific type of bladder dysfunction you have, your doctor may recommend:

  • urinalysis, which is a lab test that examines a urine sample to rule out infections, kidney disease, or other issues
  • a bladder diary, which can keep track of the times and volume of urination, as well as episodes of incontinence and fluid intake
  • urodynamic studies, which measure how the bladder fills and empties, and assess if the nerve signals controlling the bladder and sphincter muscles are coordinating correctly.

Managing bladder problems with MS

Living with ongoing bladder problems can affect your quality of life, so let your doctor know about them as soon as possible so you can start treatment.

To manage bladder problems, your doctor may recommend:

  • medications
  • lifestyle adjustments
  • physical therapy
  • nerve stimulation procedures.

Examples of lifestyle changes your doctor may suggest include:

  • limiting or eliminating caffeine, alcohol, and other diuretics and irritants
  • avoiding drinking a lot of fluids all at once, especially before bedtime
  • going to the bathroom at scheduled times, also known as timed voiding
  • doing pelvic floor exercises to improve bladder control.

Your doctor may also refer you to a physical therapist for dedicated pelvic floor physical therapy.

If lifestyle modifications or medications don’t provide enough relief, your doctor may suggest procedures such as injecting Botox directly into the bladder muscle to reduce spasms or using a catheter to help empty the bladder.

Ultimately, bladder issues are a common part of living with MS, but it is possible to manage them with your doctor’s guidance. With the right diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, your healthcare team may be able to help you find strategies that support your daily comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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