MS-related bladder issues are unpredictable and disruptive
For many of us, urinary incontinence is a daily reality
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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.
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.
Isabelle Caillet
En ce qui concerne les fuites urinaires, ma façon de les gérer est de porter une protection contre les fuites urinaires dans ma culotte. Ainsi, j'ai l'esprit tranquile quoiqu'il arrive.
Heather Branam
I honestly knew that my bladder issue must be from MS.. but i also thought it was happening because I'm 53.
I feel too young to wear depends but I almost have to because I can't hold it at all..I seem to urinate without even knowing..its very frustrating and embarrassing.
Lisa Bowser
Thank you for your article! I have been noticing lately that I seem to be going to the bathroom a lot. I do drink a lot of water so I thought maybe that was it. But now as soon as I get home from work, I really have to get to the bathroom. I normally go to the bathroom right before I leave work so there's no trouble. But now that doesn't even seem to be helping me. I plan a lot around my bathroom habits. It's always good to know where the bathrooms are. I never make it through my shopping trips at Walmart. I go at least once at Walmart, and again at least once at Sam's Club. I try purposely to schedule my water intake as well to help me out. I was up twice in the middle of the night the other day. Some nights I manage to sleep through, but I have to cut back my water intake to manage that. Yet I remain hopeful, grateful and blessed. Stay blessed and continue to be a blessing with your writing! I look forward to your next article.
Shereese
Yes I have that pesky symptom as well. I have so many accidents its too hard to count. When leaving home I forget my incontinence pad. Im always rushing to bathroom and cant hold it in longer than a second. When I have the accidents im unashamed, unless it happens in public or around other people. Its just another part of my life with the MonSter.
Debbie
I got the sacral nerve stimulator a few years ago and it truly does help. Before that I was not getting good sleep due to multiple trips to the bathroom but now it's only once or twice and it makes a big difference. Hope everyone plagues by this looks into that option!
Jeff Hecker
So true and if you are on Lasix for water retention (Adema) in my case swelling in legs and feet it's absolutely brutal!! Even without the L asix the post described my urinary issues exactly. It almost controls my daily routine. Keeps me from enjoying life's routine and enjoyment.
Donna Freeberg
Desiree - This article was so helpful. I do find myself looking for the next bizarre symptom to come out of my MS - bladder issues being one disheartening aspect. I also find that many MS doctors don't prepare you at all for what to expect moving forward, that many are just stumbling through the field (for whatever reason) and I haven't found one with a great deal of compassion.
If anyone has any suggestions for the Minneapolis area - I'd be more than happy to take recommendations. Hugs - Donna
Michael
The opposite is true too. Nerve damage can go the other way negatively affecting the ability to go, which is just as bad and painful while you wait for the muscles to relax.
Erik Oyangen
I work in a hospital and know where ALL the bathrooms are. I resorted to wearing Depends to absorb any leakage when I just cannot make it quick enough. More embarrassing is when I poop my pants with little to NO warning. I keep an extra pair of scrubs in my locker just in case. It has happened 4 times already. I do not think anyone knows but I am sure some have an idea it happened. Any suggestions?
DeAnn Burgess
I'd like to see more articles about Neurogenic Bladder issues.
Stephanie Billings
Desiree, those were the first symptoms I had. At the time they had no idea it is one of the first symptoms. That was 2010. Eventuality when I was diagnosed in 2018 and put on Ocrevus, my bladder calmed down. I do go more than most people and I also have the same symptoms you have. Feels like I have to go, go to the bathroom and patiently wait for my muscles to get going. I also have delayed urine flow. I think I’m done but if I wait a bit more flows. Good luck with this horrible disease. Stephanie Billings
Ted Thomas
Self cath changed my life. Easy once you get the process established for home and mobile. Resisted for too long and did I mention, it changed my life 😉
Margaret Bowerman
I was interested in the bladder problems. It's such a problem
Which causes may issues plus the pain and never ending bladder
I'm seeing Specialist soon to see. What might help as I get a very small amount of. Sleep 🙌 blessings ❤️
R.RAMAKRISHNAN
My son is having ms since 2015 had bladder issues during 2022 and 2023 he suffered hell of a problem going to the hospital in the weehours for cathedraltion but with the help of regular tabial nerve stimulation continuous pelvic floor excercise able to recover
Ronald Huff
Bladder issues can be addressed with a good urologist. You will always know where the bathroom is, still, but the anxiety caused by a renegade bladder is immensely relieved.