MS-related bladder issues are unpredictable and disruptive

Bladder issues are one of those symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) that nobody really prepares you for. People often talk about mobility problems, fatigue, or vision changes — not the sudden, urgent need to find a bathroom or the constant awareness of the one closest to you. They don’t talk about organizing your day around bathroom access, the quiet anxiety of wondering if your body will cooperate, or the inability to fully relax because there’s always that underlying sense that you might need to rush to the bathroom at any moment.

But for many of us living with MS, bladder dysfunction is part of our daily reality.

For me, it started subtly. I noticed I was going to the bathroom more often than usual. At first, I thought it was all in my head, until one day, I started counting. In just three hours, my bladder demanded my attention 18 times. Luckily, I was on summer break from college at the time.

I told myself that it probably had nothing to do with MS, but how wrong I was. It never occurred to me that bladder incontinence might be on the MS symptom roster, but over time, it became harder to ignore. The urgency wasn’t just inconvenient; it was disruptive. I’d be in the middle of something important, and suddenly, my entire focus would shift to finding the nearest restroom. It’s hard to stay present when your nervous system is ringing alarm bells.

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Navigating the emotional impact

What surprised me most, though, was the emotional aspect. Bladder problems can make you feel like you’ve lost a layer of independence. Simple things, like sitting through a movie, attending a meeting, or taking a long car ride, suddenly require strategy. You start scouting bathrooms wherever you go and learn which stores have reliable restrooms. You think ahead in ways you never had to before.

There’s also a silence around it. People don’t talk openly about bladder issues, even within the MS community. It can feel embarrassing, isolating, and frustrating, but the truth is, this is just another way MS manifests. It’s not a personal failure, and it’s not something to be ashamed of.

Over time, I’ve learned to adapt. I give myself extra time. I listen to my body. I advocate for my needs when necessary. Most importantly, I’ve learned to show myself compassion because MS already asks so much of me. Blaming myself for symptoms I can’t control only adds another unnecessary burden.

Living with MS means navigating unpredictability, and bladder issues are just one piece of that puzzle. Some days are easier than others. Some require more patience. But I remind myself daily that my worth is not defined by my symptoms. It’s defined by my resilience in living alongside them.

Note: 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. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.