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A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
London, KY
May 21
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A MyMSTeam Member

Sorry to hear that . Is it possible it is from any medication you are taking? Maybe you can speak to your doctor about preventative measures. Cranberry pills , drink tons of water etc.

May 21
MyMSTeam

Frequent UTIs are actually a really common struggle for people with MS — you're definitely not alone in this. The connection comes down to how MS affects bladder function.

When MS disrupts nerve signals to the bladder, it can make it hard to fully empty your bladder. Urine that sits in the bladder too long becomes a Show Full Answer

Frequent UTIs are actually a really common struggle for people with MS — you're definitely not alone in this. The connection comes down to how MS affects bladder function.

When MS disrupts nerve signals to the bladder, it can make it hard to fully empty your bladder. Urine that sits in the bladder too long becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to repeated infections. One tricky thing to watch for is that a UTI can sometimes make your MS symptoms feel worse — this is called a pseudo-exacerbation. Some people don't even realize they have a UTI; they just notice their neurological symptoms flaring up.

Here are some bladder issues linked to MS that can contribute to frequent UTIs:

- Urinary retention — not fully emptying the bladder
- Overactive bladder — urgency and frequent urination
- Urinary incontinence — uncontrolled release of urine
- A tight bladder neck — making it hard to release urine

It's really worth bringing this up with your neurologist or a urologist. There are effective treatments available, including bladder Botox, pelvic floor therapy, and intermittent self-catheterization, depending on what's causing the problem.

May 21

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