Lynnvanderbloemen, I hear you !
October 5
Sue606I have that problems too. It is very annoying π€¬. I pray you find a good solution π
October 5
Urinary retention is a common bladder issue with MS. It happens when the muscle controlling urine flow (the urethral sphincter) tightens, making it hard to fully empty the bladder β like trying to push water through a tiny straw.
Signs of urinary retention can include
- Needing to urinate again right after going
- Dribbling Show Full Answer
Urinary retention is a common bladder issue with MS. It happens when the muscle controlling urine flow (the urethral sphincter) tightens, making it hard to fully empty the bladder β like trying to push water through a tiny straw.
Signs of urinary retention can include:
- Needing to urinate again right after going
- Dribbling after urination
- A weak or slow urine stream
- A feeling that the bladder isn't fully empty
One important thing to know β incomplete bladder emptying can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs can sometimes trigger a temporary worsening of MS symptoms, so keeping on top of bladder health really matters. There are several treatment options worth discussing with a neurologist or urologist:
- Medications β Different drugs can target either an overactive bladder or a tight urethral sphincter, and sometimes both are needed
- Bladder Botox β Injections can relax the bladder muscle and are typically repeated every 3β4 months
- Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC) β A small tube is used to fully drain the bladder. As one MyMSTeam member shared, learning ISC can actually feel empowering and freeing
- Bladder ultrasound β A doctor may use this to better understand how the bladder is functioning before deciding on treatment
A urologist familiar with MS is the best person to help figure out the right approach.
October 5