Neurogenic Bladder Care for Women With MS in Katy, TX
Bladder symptoms are among the most common and disruptive effects of multiple sclerosis. With the right evaluation, they can usually be managed well.
Neurogenic bladder in multiple sclerosis happens when MS affects the nerve signals between the brain, spinal cord and bladder. It can cause urgency, frequent urination, leakage, or difficulty emptying the bladder completely, and it raises the risk of urinary infections. At our Katy office, Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy identifies which type of bladder problem you have and works alongside your neurologist on a plan that fits your MS care.
How MS Affects the Bladder
Normal bladder control depends on clear communication between the bladder, the spinal cord and the brain. In MS, damage to the protective covering of nerves (demyelination) interrupts these signals. Most people with MS develop bladder symptoms at some point, and they can appear at any stage of the disease.
There are three main patterns, and many people have more than one:
- Overactive bladder (storage problem): the bladder muscle contracts before it is full, causing urgency, frequency and urge leakage.
- Incomplete emptying (emptying problem): the bladder muscle is weak or the signals to empty are reduced, leaving urine behind.
- Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia: the bladder squeezes while the sphincter tightens instead of relaxing, so urine is blocked.
Because these patterns need different treatments, an accurate diagnosis is essential before choosing medication or procedures.
Symptoms and Related Concerns
Bladder symptoms in MS often change over time, so care is adjusted as your needs change.
Common bladder symptoms
- Sudden, strong urges to urinate
- Urinating very often, day and night
- Leaking before reaching the toilet
- Hesitancy or a weak, interrupted stream
- A feeling that the bladder is not empty
- Needing to strain to urinate
Related concerns
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Bowel symptoms such as constipation or urgency
- Limiting fluids to avoid accidents, which can worsen constipation and infections
- Mobility or hand function changes that make reaching the toilet harder
- Disrupted sleep from nighttime urination
Infections can temporarily worsen MS symptoms, so preventing and treating them promptly is an important part of bladder care.
When Should You See a Specialist?
- Bladder symptoms are affecting your work, sleep or social life
- You have had more than two urinary infections in six months
- You feel you are not emptying your bladder fully
- Bladder medications have not helped or have caused side effects
- Your neurologist has recommended a bladder evaluation
Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, or if you have fever, chills, back or side pain, or confusion with urinary symptoms. These may signal urinary retention or a kidney infection. Call 911 in an emergency.
Bladder Care From Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy
Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy is board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (urogynecology), the specialty that focuses on bladder control and the pelvic floor in women. She also holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which is valuable when choosing bladder medications for people who already take several medicines for MS.
She coordinates with your neurologist and other care providers, so bladder treatment fits your overall MS plan.
How Neurogenic Bladder Is Evaluated
- Symptom review and bladder diary: how often you urinate, how much, and when leaks happen.
- Urinalysis and culture: to check for infection.
- Post-void residual: a quick bladder scan to measure urine left after you urinate.
- Urodynamic testing: to measure bladder pressure, capacity and coordination with the sphincter.
- Cystoscopy or kidney imaging: in selected cases, such as blood in the urine or frequent infections.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on whether your main problem is storage, emptying or both.
Everyday strategies and medication
- Timed voiding and fluid planning: spacing fluids through the day and reducing bladder irritants.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy: urge suppression and pelvic floor training.
- Bladder-relaxing medications: beta-3 agonists, or anticholinergic medicines chosen with care because some can affect memory and concentration.
- Constipation management: because bowel and bladder function affect each other.
Emptying support and procedures
- Clean intermittent self-catheterization: a simple, effective way to empty the bladder fully when it does not empty on its own. We teach the technique in the office.
- Botox injections into the bladder: for overactive bladder that does not respond to medication. Some patients may need to self-catheterize afterward.
- Nerve stimulation: for selected patients, sacral neuromodulation such as Axonics therapy. MRI compatibility is an important consideration in MS and is reviewed before any implant.
Your plan may change as your MS changes. Regular follow-up helps keep your bladder safe and your symptoms controlled. See also our page on overactive bladder treatment.
Bladder Care for MS in Katy, Texas
Specialist bladder care that works alongside your neurologist.
- Board-certified urogynecologist
- Urodynamic testing to guide treatment
- Medication choices from a physician with a PharmD
- Self-catheterization teaching
- Botox and nerve stimulation options
- Coordination with your MS care team
What Our Patients Say
Patients share their experience of care at our Katy office. Individual results vary.
Dr. Elshatanoufy is simply wonderful! She took the time to thoroughly explain my extensive lab results and other tests, answered all of my questions, and gave me the confidence and peace of mind I needed before moving forward with the procedure.
The entire staff was also incredibly attentive, courteous, and welcoming throughout my visit. I truly loved my experience there and felt very well cared for. I definitely trust Dr. Elshatanoufy and her team with my health needs and would highly recommend them!
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Solafa. She is warm, attentive, and incredibly compassionate. She takes her time during appointments, listens carefully to concerns, and never makes you feel rushed. Her bedside manner is truly wonderful, and she creates such a comfortable and reassuring environment. You can tell she genuinely cares about her patients. Very sweet, professional, and knowledgeable. I’m so grateful to have found her for my mom’s treatment.
Dr. Elshatanoufy was truly lovely to work with. I’ve had a hard time pinning down my symptoms but she was willing to hear my concerns and do a thorough examination to rule out more serious conditions. She was thorough, efficient, patient, gentle, and kind during the pelvic examination, which is a vulnerable position for women. I felt that she genuinely cared for my wellbeing. After receiving less than ideal care at a neighboring practice in Katy, I am really grateful to Dr. E for validating my concerns, making me feel heard, and reassured with my next steps.
The waiting room was pretty busy and cold when I went. Suggest bringing headphones and some long sleeves!
My experience perfection. From check in to check out. Dia was my MA and she was so professional and a pleasure. She answered all my questions and made sure I was taken care of. Dr Elshatanoufy was AWESOME! Great bedside manner and make my exam comfortable. Then I had the pleasure to check out with Elizabeth and she was just as pleasant. I can tell this is an office that cares greatly for their patients!
This was my first visit at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health. It was a great experience, from checking in with a very helpful and friendly receptionist to being seeing by Nida the office manager, Oyin the NP and Dr. E. Everyone was very friendly, professional, and made the visit very comfortable. They thoroughly explained all the finding and the options for treatment. I highly recommend this practice.
Dr E. and her whole staff are gems! They have the best customer service, energy, and I noticed they are great with all other patients besides me. Dr E. really listens to your problems, offers solutions and she explains things so well. You can tell she loves what she does and does a wonderful job at it. I definitely recommend her practice to anyone seeking top notch, high quality care.
Just the kindest people! I was so at ease with the whole experience!! Very knowledgeable, explained everything and answered all my questions!!! Wish I had found her earlier in my life!!
Mi nombre es Nidia, I am a patient at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health and had my surgery less than 15 days ago. This clinic is highly recommended for its excellent medical and humane care. This type of care is provided by the entire staff, in addition to the doctor, including the receptionist, nurses, and health technicians. The surgeon is Solafa Elshatanoufy, who has more than 20 years of experience in women’s pelvic health, offering modern, effective, and minimally invasive treatments in many cases. She is a compassionate and empathetic person who makes you feel safe, listened to, and cared for by expert and professional hands. The environment is clean and welcoming, and thanks to its modernity, I felt almost no discomfort or pain during the procedures, and everything was quick.
One of the best places to see OBGYN. My mom sees Dr. Solafa. The staffs, nurses, Doctors and the services they provide are very professional and welcoming. Highly recommended.
Top-tier doctor and extremely skilled surgeon, I could not have been more blessed to have her taking care of me. Thank you, Dr. E!
Dr. E is a super great Doctor who listens attentively and collaborates closely with patients throughout every step of the process. Additionally, the office staff was professional, courteous, and efficient.
Dr. E is so kind and professional. She listened to all my concerns and had an answer to all my questions. She made sure I was happy with my medications. Her staff is so helpful and make the visit go quickly and efficiently. I am so glad I found Dr E!
Dr. E has the best bedside manner compared to all the doctors I have seen before. She is so knowledgeable and truly cares for her patients and wants the best for everyone. I feel incredibly lucky to find a doctor willing to always spare time for patients. She is amazing and 1000% worth the wait!!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About MS and Bladder Problems
How common are bladder problems in MS?
Very common. Most people with MS experience bladder symptoms at some point, most often urgency and frequency.
Can bladder problems be the first sign of MS?
Occasionally, yes. Bladder symptoms can appear early in MS, but they are much more often caused by other conditions such as overactive bladder or infection.
Why do I keep getting urinary tract infections?
Incomplete emptying leaves urine in the bladder, which allows bacteria to grow. Treating the emptying problem, often with self-catheterization, can reduce infections.
Is self-catheterization painful?
Most people find it quick and only mildly uncomfortable once they learn the technique. It can greatly reduce infections and leakage.
Are bladder medications safe with MS?
Many are. Some older anticholinergic medications can affect memory or concentration, so we choose medications carefully and review everything you already take.
Can I have MRI scans with a bladder nerve stimulator?
Some neuromodulation devices are approved for full-body MRI under specific conditions. Because MRI is so important in MS, this is reviewed carefully before any implant.
Do you see patients from outside Katy?
Yes. Women from Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and across Greater Houston are seen at our Katy office.
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Neurogenic Bladder Care in Katy and Greater Houston
Evaluations, urodynamic testing and treatment visits take place at our Katy office at 410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320. We welcome new patients from Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Cypress and West Houston.
Take Back Control of Your Bladder
Get an accurate diagnosis and a plan that works with your MS care. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy.
410 W Grand Pkwy S, Suite 320, Katy, TX 77494