Our newly revised bladder and bowel Choices booklet is now ready!

We are proud to announce the release of our revamped Choices booklet that focuses on the impact of bladder and bowel problems in people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). 

The MS-UK ethos, which is to facilitate choice and to ensure that people living with MS can live independent lives, being able to make choices that suit them as an individual, was central to us in the production of this booklet.  

Bladder and bowel problems are common among people with MS. In fact, three quarters of people with MS are likely to experience continence problems at some point in their lives. Issues with bladder and bowel functions do not necessarily occur in isolation either, with many people experiencing them at the same time.  

For those who are affected, irregular bladder and bowel behaviour can be a huge source of anxiety. In social situations these feelings of anxiety can be amplified, leading to the tendency to avoid getting out and about and therefore becoming socially isolated. This can then spark the onset of secondary problems such as low mood and depression. 

It is therefore important that bladder and bowel irregularities in people with MS are investigated and managed appropriately, which is where our recently revised Choices booklet ‘Bladder and Bowel’ comes in particularly handy.  

Inside the booklet you will find a whole host of information that you, or someone you know who is impacted by bladder and bowel problems, may find helpful. This includes how people with MS can be affected, the medications available to treat some of these symptoms, self-management techniques such as lifestyle tweaks and pelvic floor exercises, plus support for when you are out and about.  

We also signpost to where you can find specialist help and guidance, such as from bladder and bowel focused charities.  

Finally, as is always the case with our Choices range of booklets, the content has been steered by the MS community, ensuring focus is on the issues that matter, including real quotes, insights and experiences of people living with MS. 

You can read our revised Choices ‘Bladder and Bowel’ booklet now on our website, with hard copies also available free of charge on request. They can be ordered via our online form or by contacting our helpline.    

Helpline contact details

• Telephone – 0800 783 0518 
• Email – info@ms-uk.org 
• WhatsApp – 07824 708897