Can bladder symtoms be prevented or improved?
Here are some steps you can take to improve bladder function: • Optimizing fluid intake (six-eight large glasses of water a day) • Scheduling times to urinate throughout the day • Scheduling self catheterizations (if instructed to do so by the urologist) • Making toilets more available (bedside commodes, portable urinals for both men and women) • Pelvic muscle strengthening exercises (see Rehabilitation section) • Recognizing skin rashes and improving skin care Different medicines are available for different types of bladder problems. Clean intermittent catheterization might also be needed along with medicines in some cases. An evaluation from a urologist who understands bladder problems in MS may be very helpful as well. In some specific cases surgical interventions on the bladder are also possible. These are usually done by a specialized surgeon.
