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A Closer Look at the Link Between MS and Incontinence


Understanding the Link Between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Incontinence

According to the Atlas of MS, more than 900,000 Americans suffer from multiple sclerosis (MS). It is a serious and chronic disease that disrupts normal brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve functioning. Those with MS deal with a range of challenges, including urinary incontinence. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how incontinence and MS are connected.

What Exactly is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS). The damage it causes to the myelin sheath (the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers) disrupts how the brain communicates with the rest of the body.

Symptoms of MS

While MS symptoms range from person to person depending on the severity of nerve fiber damage, they may include:

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
  • Tingling
  • Electric-shock sensations that happen from certain neck movements
  • Lack of coordination
  • Inability to walk
  • Blurry vision
  • Vertigo
  • Slurred speech
  • Cognitive issues
  • Mood disturbances
  • Prolonged double vision
  • Partial or complete loss of vision in one eye at a time
  • Bladder issues and incontinence

Understanding Bladder Dysfunction in MS

Bladder issues are common with MS, as the disease disrupts the connection between the brain and the bladder. This is why many people with MS also experience incontinence. Other common bladder dysfunctions include poor urinary retention, trouble getting the flow started, urinating too often, and more.

Types of MS-Related Incontinence

Because the brain and bladder have trouble communicating, several types of bladder problems and incontinence types may emerge for MS patients.

  • Urge incontinence (aka overactive bladder, or OAB): This is a strong and sudden need to urinate during the day and night that often leads to leakage. This happens when the detrusor muscle (the muscle that squeezes urine out of the bladder) contracts involuntarily due to brain-bladder communication issues.
  • Urinating more often than normal: The frequency of urination may increase due to multiple sclerosis.
  • Overflow incontinence: Also referred to as “incomplete bladder emptying,” this occurs when the detrusor muscle is weakened or damaged, making it difficult to empty the bladder completely. This may lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Mixed incontinence: Many MS patients experience multiple types of incontinence.

The Impact on Daily Life

Individuals with MS typically suffer a great deal and need help with common daily activities, such as walking and using the bathroom. But physical challenges and incontinence aren’t the only ways MS impacts your quality of life:

  • Low-self esteem or embarrassment: Having trouble going to the bathroom or needing help walking creates shame in many MS patients. It’s important for a caregiver to show them that it’s okay to need assistance.
  • Social isolation: Those with chronic conditions may be hesitant to join social situations, feeling discouraged about explaining themselves or asking for help. Make sure your loved ones and friends feel supported in social settings.
  • Depression and anxiety: Always check in on your loved ones to make sure they have the love, care, and attention they need.

Tips to Manage and Treat MS-Related Incontinence

Dealing with MS-related incontinence is difficult, but there are ways to treat and manage urinary symptoms. Here are some lifestyle shifts and treatment options to consider.

Fluid Management

Managing your fluid intake will help with incontinence issues. Be sure to hydrate adequately throughout the day (this also helps ease constipation), but limit fluids an hour or two before bed. Try to avoid bladder irritants, such as coffee and alcohol.

Use the Right Incontinence Products

Adult diapers can help MS patients feel more confident and secure as they experience incontinence. Make sure they’re breathable, have an absorbent core, and that they have natural, moisture-wicking materials to stay dry. Try to find products that are discreet and look and feel like regular underwear.

Bladder Training

Creating a voiding schedule or learning how to hold your urine a bit longer when you feel the urge to go can help you regain more control of your bladder muscles.

Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles

Practicing kegels and using other various techniques to strengthen pelvic floor muscles can help to decrease incontinence episodes.

Consider Using a Catheter

If overflow incontinence or retention is truly an issue, intermittent catheterization can be helpful if recommended by a doctor. Some patients with severe cases of MS have indwelling catheters that always live in the body.

Lifestyle Shifts

Those with MS should try to maintain a healthy weight, exercise, and learn how to manage stress. Going through chronic health issues can be a harrowing experience, so making sure mental health is top of mind.

Medication

Certain prescription medications can help with urgency incontinence and overactive bladder. Other medications can strengthen the bladder sphincter muscle, which improves urine retention. 

Finding the Right Incontinence Products at Parentgiving

When it comes to managing incontinence, the right products and care are key. From hygiene to adult diapers and more, we offer a wide range of premium incontinence products at Parentgiving. Shop our full selection of incontinence products today.

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