Less than 1 percent of the US population has Urinary Incontinence (UI). For those with MS, however, it affects over 80 percent of us.  Why is there such a difference?  

In MS, because the nervous system is affected, signals do not travel correctly to and  from the brain and the nerves that control proper functioning of the bladder. Both women and men can be incontinent, but women are more likely, especially after childbirth. This is my story,  but it is also the story of many MSers  as well as a many others who are  incontinent.

MS causes lifestyle changes, but when incontinence shows up as a symptom, as it did in me, it is all-encompassing, affecting every aspect of my life.  Personally, socially, psychologically, physically, and sexually, too, everything has changed. But it can be managed and treated. There is life after incontinence, and there is hope. It can be done.  

Embarrassment is such a big part of incontinence. No one wants to talk about it or admit it, even to their doctor. When first confronted with the reality of incontinence, only 1 out of 12 overcome their embarrassment enough to share or even seek medical help. It is often a symptom of something that may lead to serious medical problems. If it is not treated, it can lead to urinary or bladder infections, or even kidney damage.