Bladder control issues are one of the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Those who suffer with this symptom can feel helpless and embarrassed. Knowledge and medications can help them feel like they are in control again.

The urinary system is a network of kidneys, bladder, ureters (two tubes), a sphincter muscle and the urethra. In the person without MS, the muscular part of the bladder, the detrusor, contracts to push out the urine. The sphincter muscle opens up to allow the urine to pass into the urethra. The brain controls the voluntary function of the urine passing through this urinary system. MS affects muscle and brain which are areas used in bladder control.

The damaged spinal cord and muscles result in problems emptying the bladder or storage problems and possibly both problems can occur. There are 3 urinary problems that can result from urinary system problems. These 3 problems are: Urinary urgency (a strong sensation that urination cannot be postponed), Nocturia, the problem of urinating many time during the night, and incontinence, the loss of urinary control.

There are medications that can help with urinary system problems that individuals with MS have including: Probanthine, Ditropan and Tofranil.

One common muscle related problem in individuals with MS is that the sphincter is closed. The muscle contracts when it should be relaxing. There may be some urine that gets expelled, but most remains in the bladder. MS patients experience frequent urinary infections, which can result in kidney damage. They also can have a higher risk for kidney stones because of these urinary system failures.

When frequent storage problems exist and there is too much urine retention, it may be necessary to drain the urine with a catheter. Bladder function can at times return, so catherization may only have to be done a few times.

The prescription medication Lioresal is used when only mild emptying dysfunction is experienced.

Different bladder function tests may be necessary in order to determine the exact cause of urinary system dysfunction. These tests may include: urinalysis, post-void residual urine, and also renal/residual urine sonogram.

MS individuals with urinary problems may be asked to drink at least one quart of water a day, and to drink less at night. They may also be asked to limit their intake of caffeine.

Anyone with MS who is experiencing any urinary problem symptoms should seek the help of a medical professional as soon as possible.

The symptom of urinary system dysfunction can be managed and urinary tract complications can be prevented and preservation of normal kidney function can be achieved when early medical intervention is sought and medical treatment maintained.