Managing urinary urgency and frequency

MS can damage the connective signals between bladder and the brain, causing a number of possible issues. For those who do experience bladder issues, each person will experience these symptoms differently and to varying degrees.

Incontinence is perhaps the most well-known symptom and one way this can present is as urinary urgency. Urinary urgency, or urge incontinence, is when the bladder becomes overactive and you may feel a sudden and strong urge to urinate with the possibility of being unable to make it to the toilet in time. Urinary frequency, defined as feeling the need to go to the toilet eight or more times a day, is another bladder-related symptom.

In addition to our MS nurses, a physiotherapist can provide specific supports to help you better manage these tricky symptoms and improve your quality of life.

MS Plus Physiotherapist, Vanessa Leung, has a few tips she provides to her clients, to help them manage their urinary urgency or frequency.

How can I manage my urinary urgency and frequency?

‘It can be helpful to consider the types of fluids you are drinking, e.g. coffee, tea, sugary drinks, as these are diuretics and can increase your frequency and need to urinate,’ Vanessa says.

‘Also, I tell my clients to try to avoid drinking two hours before going to bed, to reduce the urge to go in the middle of the night.’

Vanessa says it’s also possible to ‘train’ your brain to postpone the urge to urinate.

‘Prolonging your time to go to the toilet can sometimes train your brain and bladder that you are able to store urine longer than your mind thinks.

‘If you are experiencing urinary control issues, it can also be helpful to keep a bladder diary, to look at your toileting habits and speak to a pelvic health physiotherapist.

‘A physiotherapist can also assess your pelvic floor and core muscles to address any weaknesses.’

To chat with an MS Plus physiotherapist or a continence nurse, contact Plus Connect 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au