b'Communication and Evaluation may be completed; this testing is referred to Communication and EvaluationMost bladder symptoms can be managedas urodynamic testing.for individuals after proper assessment andThere are a variety of approaches to manage intervention. The rst step is communicationinability to store and inability to empty. Both with your healthcare provider about thesenonpharmacologicalandpharmacological symptoms. Bladder symptoms need to bestrategies for symptom management may be assessed properly as symptoms caused byconsidered when deciding on an approach. inability to store or inability to empty can beStrategies for managing bladder symptoms the same. Successful treatment depends oninclude lifestyle modications such as avoiding identifying the underlying cause of bladderbladder irritants including caffeine, alcohol, and dysfunction. Because bladder symptoms cansmoking; bladder training; timed voiding; pelvic vary widely among individuals with MS, it isoor exercises; medications; or catheterization. important for people with MS to work closelyRegular follow-ups with your healthcare team, with their healthcare provider to develop anincluding your urologist are important to monitor individualized treatment plan. bladderfunctionandadjusttreatmentas Its important to know that bladder infectionsneeded. You can gain independence by openly can negatively affect MS symptoms in generalcommunicating and participating in shared and people with MS may mistakenly thinkdecision-making about your treatment options.they are having an attack. A proper assessmentOverall, seeking treatment for bladder includes gathering information about symptoms,symptoms is an important aspect of managing history of bladder infections and any otherMS and can greatly improve quality of life. bladder-related issues followed by an initialRemember,mostbladdersymptomsare test to measure the amount of urine normallymanageable for most individuals after proper passed and to check if there was any urineassessment and intervention. I encourage you left after voiding (post-void residual) using ato start the conversation with your healthcare bladder ultrasound scanner. A urine sampleprovider at your next visit. analysis would check for infection, blood, or other abnormalities that contribute to bladder symptoms. It may also help to keep a daily bladder diary to record urinary habits such as uid intake, voiding frequency, and any episodes of incontinence to help assess bladder function and patterns.Referrals and ManagementReferrals and ManagementIf your MS care center does not have the resources to complete an initial evaluation or if your bladder symptoms are complicated, you may be referred to a urologist. A urologist would also complete a medical history and gather information about symptoms. In addition, a series of tests to evaluate the rate of urine ow, bladder pressure during lling and emptying 13 msfocusmagazine.org'