| Bowel problems, while not as common as bladder
dysfunction, are not that uncommon in multiple sclerosis.
The most common complaint is that of constipation although
diarrhea may also feature. In rarer instances, fecal incontinence may
occur where there is an inability to maintain any control of the bowel.
The most common bowel complaint, constipation, may
also result or at least be made worse, by the side effects of some of
the prescribed drugs which people with multiple sclerosis are likely
to be taking such as some antidepressants, or drugs prescribed to help
control bladder dysfunction.Fecal urgency, where there is an immediate need to get
to the toilet may also occur. This can lead to fecal incontinence if
the bathroom cannot be reached quickly enough.
It is also possible for someone with multiple sclerosis
to have bouts of constipation and diarrhea or fecal incontinence.This can be due to initial constipation combined with
a loss of sphincter control when voiding does occur. The loss of control
of the anal sphincter, triggered by a loss of sensation in the rectum
results in the involuntary release of the lower bowel contents.
Multiple sclerosis related bowel dysfunction can be
embarrassing, unpleasant and socially isolating (usually self-imposed)
as well as being unhygienic.
The range of bowel dysfunction
which can be associated with multiple sclerosis:
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