Bladder, bowel and sexual problems

  • Male sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis
    Sexual dysfunction is a common symptom in men with MS, with a prevalence that surpasses that seen in the general population and other chronic disease states. Despite sexual dysfunction being one of the most frequently overlooked and under-addressed MS symptoms, it seldom gets documented and treated in men with MS.
  • Intimate issues: bladder dysfunction
    Bladder dysfunction in people with MS is a sign of early damage, particularly to the spinal cord, and an early indication of a poor prognosis. Why do people with MS who develop bladder dysfunction do worse than those with no bladder symptoms? Here, I explain why I take bladder problems seriously and their implications for MS management.
  • Detecting and preventing urinary tract infections
    Frequent and severe urinary tract infections (UTIs) increase the likelihood that MS will progress. I recommend regular dipstick testing at home, as part of your MS self-management, to increase the chances of early detection and treatment of a UTI.
  • Intimate issues: bowel disorders
    Here I discuss why people with MS develop problems with their bowel function and I offer straightforward advice on how to manage constipation, diarrhoea and other MS-related bowel problems.
  • Pelvic floor training
    Do you have bowel, bladder and/or sexual problems? Here, I discuss pelvic floor exercises, which may help alleviate all these symptoms.