Multiple sclerosis and urinary tract infections
If you live with a neurogenic bladder, you may be at greater risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
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. 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.
UTIs are not associated with an increased risk of relapse with MS, however febrile UTIs, i.e., UTIs that cause fever, may increase the risk of a person’s MS worsening over a prolonged period. It is therefore 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 indication of bladder problems
If you frequently find yourself contracting UTI’s, this can be an indication of a bladder problem. For those living with MS, it is normal to see a neurologist on a regular basis, but due to the lack of time, interest, screening tools and knowledge, an assessment of bladder issues is often down prioritised or ignored.
However, if you have contracted 2 or more UTIs within the last year, this may be a red flag and indicate problems like bladder overactivity or retention. You should always consult your doctor or nurse 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.
Learn more about how a urologist may assess your bladder here:
FAQs about UTIs
Still have questions about UTI’s? Check out these answers below 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. This is mainly due to the increased likelihood of having a urinary disorder such as retention – when there is still urine in your bladder after you have voided yourself. Retention increases the likelihood of contracting a UTI, and as retention is common within the MS population, this is 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.
- Remember bladder and bowel health are connected – Faecal incontinence increases the risk of UTIs. Moreover, a full bowel can press on your bladder, meaning it can hold less urine and have more trouble emptying completely. Having a balanced diet with lots of vegetables can help to promote good bowel function and support your bladder health.
- Practice good hygiene – For women, 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 treating retention. 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 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.