Introduction

Bladder issues affect everyday life for many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Yet many don’t know that MS and bladder dysfunction are linked. Part of the reason for this may be that bladder problems tend to develop slowly over time, so they become accepted as a normal part of daily life².

There is also a stigma around bladder problems, which makes it difficult for MS patients to discuss the symptoms openly with their healthcare provider. This is not ideal because left untreated, bladder problems can lead to poor quality of life and a high risk of health issues³.

Bladder problems affect quality of life

MS patients experiencing bladder problems report physical and mental challenges that affect quality of life. They can have feelings of embarrassment, shyness, anxiety, discomfort and shame around bladder symptoms ⁴. People living with MS and bladder problems have reported:

• Anxiety around having an incontinence episode ⁴
• Reduced social activities ¹
• Embarrassment if an incontinence episode happens ¹
• Loss of feeling of control ¹

Untreated bladder problems can lead to serious health issues

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are ranked among the top three reasons for hospitalization for MS patients. This represents 30-50% of inpatient admissions ⁵.

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) can make a positive impact by supporting MS patients with understanding the link between MS and bladder problems, including identifying the symptoms.