Topic Overview

Bladder and urination problems are common in people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). When a new problem develops, tests may be done to make sure that a condition other than MS is not causing the problem and to decide on the best treatment.

The following are tests commonly used to evaluate problems with the urinary tract:

• Urinalysis or urine culture
• Measurement of urine retained after normal urination (post-void residual)
• X-ray of entire urinary system (intravenous pyelogram, or IVP)
• Tests of bladder function and storage capacity (cystometrogram)

Some of these tests involve the insertion of a thin flexible tube (catheter) into the urethra; injection of a contrast medium, which shows up on X-rays; or injection of material that has low-level radioactivity.