Continence services

Bladder and bowel services – also known as continence services – are specialist teams of nurses and physiotherapists that can help you manage bladder and bowel symptoms. Depending on the nature of your symptoms, this could include help and advice on:

pelvic floor exercises to improve bladder or bowel control
medication, such as antimuscarinic drugs and laxatives
dietary changes, such as increasing fibre intake
continence products, such as catheters and pads.

You can usually contact your local NHS continence service directly and don't need to be referred by your GP.

You can read more about bladder and bowel problems in MS.

Find out more

Ask the expert: Bowel and bladder problems

Talking about your toilet troubles can sometimes be embarrassing - there’s no getting away from it! But bowel and bladder symptoms in MS are common and often easily managed, so it’s important to be open about what you’re going through so you can get the support you need. We put some of your questions about these issues to MS specialist nurse Noreen Barker.

Managing your bladder - book

Managing your bladder looks at why bladder problems can be part of MS and provides a practical approach to their management. It includes comments and tips from people with MS who know what it is like to live with bladder problems.

Download or order

Managing your bowels - book