Are bowel problems something you're dealing with as part of your MS? You're definitely not alone — up to 70% of people with MS experience some form of bowel issue. It's one of those symptoms that doesn't get talked about enough, but it's very real and very common.
Bowel problems in MS happen because the condition can disrupt Show Full Answer
Are bowel problems something you're dealing with as part of your MS? You're definitely not alone — up to 70% of people with MS experience some form of bowel issue. It's one of those symptoms that doesn't get talked about enough, but it's very real and very common.
Bowel problems in MS happen because the condition can disrupt nerve signals between the brain and the bowels. This is known as neurogenic bowel dysfunction. MS can also make it harder for the pelvic floor muscles to relax, which plays a big role in bowel movements.
The most common issues include:
- Constipation – the most frequent complaint, often made worse by low fluid intake, low fiber diet, limited mobility, or certain MS medications
- Diarrhea – can occur when the bowel becomes overactive
- Bowel incontinence – loss of voluntary bowel control, often linked to diarrhea or long-term constipation Many MyMSTeam members have shared how much bowel issues affect daily life. One member described feeling like their days "revolve around the bathroom," while another shared that on bad fatigue days, their bowels "leak."
The good news is that bowel problems are manageable. Some helpful strategies include:
- Drinking at least 6–8 glasses of water daily
- Eating enough fiber through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Staying as physically active as possible
- Talking to your neurologist, who may refer you to a specialist
It's worth bringing this up with your healthcare team — they can help find solutions that work alongside your current MS treatments.
7 days ago
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