MS and urinary tract infections

Image of Ilsa, who lives with MS. Ilse uses intermittent catheters to manage her bladder issues.
Ilse | Living with MS

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Almost 1 in 2 people living with MS have had a urinary tract infection (UTI) within the past year.1,2

 
If you live with bladder issues, you may be at greater risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs).1,3 This is because if the bladder is not fully emptied and urine remains for a prolonged period, it provides the ideal environment for bacteria to develop and cause an infection of the urinary tract.4,5,6 When living with MS, UTIs can be particularly problematic.

What risk do UTI’s pose for people with MS?

There is a high prevalence of UTI’s within the MS population, mostly due to the increased frequency of bladder disorders amongst those living with MS. UTIs in people living with MS may often also be more serious than in people who don’t have MS. This is because other symptoms of MS can flare up.1

 
UTIs that cause fever, (i.e. febrile UTIs) may temporarily make a person’s other MS symptoms worsen.7 However, UTIs are not associated with an increased risk of relapse with MS.

 
The fact of the matter is that it is always important to maintain good bladder health and look out for any signs of bladder dysfunction in your daily life. Afterall, a healthy bladder is less likely to develop a UTI. 

Frequent UTIs can be an indicator of bladder problems

If you frequently find yourself contracting UTI’s, this can be an indication of a bladder problem.8 However, you may find that medical consultations focus on other symptoms of your MS. Due to time constraints and limited awareness of the relationship between bladder issues and MS, bladder symptoms may go undiscussed for some time. It is therefore important you speak up if you are concerned about your bladder health.

 
If you have contracted 2 or more UTIs within the last year, this may indicate problems like bladder overactivity8 or urinary retention.8 You should always consult your doctor or nurse in this case, and they may refer you to a urologist who specialises in the bladder. This can be the first step to getting the support you need.  

FAQs about UTIs  

Still have questions about UTI’s? Check out these answers to better understand your bladder health.

Why might I be more prone to UTIs? 

When living with MS, you are often more susceptible to UTIs.1 Among other reasons, this can be due to the increased likelihood of having a urinary disorder such as retention3 – when there is still urine in your bladder after you have voided. Retention increases the likelihood of contracting a UTI,4,5,6 and as retention is common within the MS population, this can explain why MS is often correlated with UTIs.  

What can I do to help combat my UTIs? 
  • Drink a lot of water – Having plenty of water helps to avoid dehydration which can lead to more concentrated urine – this is a good environment for infection and should be avoided.  
  • Think about your bowel health – Faecal incontinence increases the risk of UTIs. Moreover, constipation may lead to UTIs due to distending pressure of the rectum on the bladder wall. This pressure can obstruct urine flow and may affect the functioning of your bladder.9 It may not be able to empty effectively, which can mean bacteria develops in residual urine. Having a balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fibre can help to promote good bowel function and support your bladder health.10 To learn more about how to support your bowel and possible bowel treatments, click here.
  • Practice good hygiene – It is important to always wipe yourself from front to back after using the toilet or when bathing. This helps to avoid bringing germs from the anal area towards the urethra.
  • Avoid tight synthetic underwear and clothing – Cotton underwear and breathable fabrics can help to reduce germ growth and reduce the likelihood of UTIs.
Does intermittent catheterisation help prevent UTIs? 

Intermittent catheterisation (IC) is often the preferred method for bladder management when the bladder struggles to fully empty. Avoiding situations where your bladder becomes overfull, and regularly using catheters to ensure your bladder is empty are some of the most important prevention methods to help combat UTIs.

What should I do if I have a UTI? 

If you suspect that you have a UTI, you should always contact a healthcare professional. They will be able to test your urine to find out if you have an infection and talk to you about how best to treat it.

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