Bladder Problems in Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Originally written by Suzanne Elvidge, updated by the editorial team on 20th June 2026

Bladder Problems and Fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia syndrome often experience symptoms beyond the well known muscle pain, tender points and fatigue. Bladder difficulties and pelvic discomfort are among the most common of these additional problems.

These symptoms can be constant for some people, while others find they come and go. Stress, dietary choices and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle may all play a part in triggering or worsening bladder issues, though individual experiences vary considerably.

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Frequent Urination

Many people with fibromyalgia find they need to urinate far more often than usual. This might mean several trips to the toilet during the day, along with being woken multiple times at night.

The disruption to sleep can make existing fibromyalgia fatigue worse. Daytime frequency can also affect work, social activities and travel. Some people find themselves planning journeys around toilet stops or avoiding situations where a bathroom might not be easily accessible.

Keeping a simple diary of fluid intake and bathroom visits can help identify patterns. This information may be useful when speaking to a GP or specialist about managing the problem.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis, sometimes called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition that some researchers have observed more frequently in people with fibromyalgia. However, the exact relationship between the two conditions remains under investigation.

The symptoms can include:

Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
An urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full
Urinating very frequently, sometimes dozens of times in a day
Discomfort during or after sex

In more severe cases, some people experience incontinence. This can be distressing, though products such as absorbent pads and specialist underwear can help manage the practical side of things.

Researchers have proposed several theories about what causes interstitial cystitis, including dysfunction of the bladder's protective lining, abnormal nerve signalling, and immune system involvement. Having fibromyalgia does not mean you will definitely develop this condition.

Living with both conditions can also take a toll on mental health. Anxiety about symptoms, disrupted sleep and the unpredictability of flare ups can all contribute to low mood. Talking to your GP about psychological support, whether through counselling or other services, may help as part of your overall care.

Getting Help and Support

If you are experiencing bladder problems alongside fibromyalgia, it is worth raising this with your GP. They can check for other possible causes such as urinary tract infections, which need different treatment.

For ongoing problems, you may be referred to a urologist or a specialist continence service. The NHS provides continence services in most areas, and your GP surgery can point you in the right direction.

Treatment options depend on the specific problem and its severity. According to current NICE guidance, they might include:

Bladder training techniques
Dietary changes, such as reducing caffeine or acidic foods
Pelvic floor exercises
Medication to calm an overactive bladder
Specialist treatments for interstitial cystitis, including bladder instillations

Fibromyalgia Action UK provides information and support for people living with the condition, including guidance on managing associated symptoms. Their website offers resources and details of local support groups. The Bladder and Bowel Community is another helpful organisation for anyone dealing with continence issues, with a confidential helpline and practical advice on their website.

Many people find that a combination of medical advice, practical adjustments and self care makes day to day life more manageable. There are available supports and resources to help you manage these symptoms.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Flare Up Analyser lets you describe your current flare up and we will help you identify likely triggers and what might ease it. Try it now →

9 questions

Ask Fibromyalgia Syndrome a Question

FibromyalgiaSyndrome Editor 26/07/2026 at 6:01 pm

@peter Peter, those symptoms don't sound like typical fibro to me and I'd push for a proper neurological review soon. The combination of buttock pain, both legs going numb and weak, plus sudden urinary urgency or incontinence can point to nerve compression in the lower spine, which needs ruling out quickly. Please ring your GP this week and be very clear about the bladder issues, as that detail matters. Don't just put it down to fibro flares.

peter 26/07/2026 at 5:37 pm

I am male and was diagnosed with Fibro years ago. I have weird symptoms of severe pain in the Buttocks with both legs feeling numb and weak followed by urgently needing a pee sometimes wetting myself. This is just as if both my legs have gone to sleep ! these symptoms come on when they start to come back to life . Sometimes when I stand up from sitting or even when I am standing . The duration of my symptoms lasts no more than ten mins. I am seventy five year old.

Issy Editor 29/08/2017 at 12:09 pm

@popsy - I hope your scan finds something that can be resolved. I know what you mean, I hate feeling constantly debilitated. People who have their health, have everything! Keep us posted. Best of luck

popsy 27/08/2017 at 12:12 pm

I am waiting for an MRI scan, but secretly hoping my health returns to 'normal', normal for me that is. I also have back priblems as well, so being referred to spiine clinic. My balance, walking difficulties and lightheadedness have been part of my life for over 18 months. I am so frustrated that i cant do the things i could before my complaints. I have so much empathy for people with hidden ailments. People think because you look fine that you are on form and healthy. Inside, and daily tasks are so difficult and no one can understand unless you have been there. I hope i can get better from whatever is the problem. The human body can heal itself im sure of it. Funny im watching people walk and thinking how lucky they are to be able to stride out and have good balance. When i eventually heal i will share with everyone. x

misty 29/03/2016 at 8:25 pm

My mobility is now being affected by my condition and requested assistance with a car to get me out and about from the isolation. I felt as if I were sitting in front of the gestpo? at a medical tribunal as they took it in turns to ask me many questions. I drove my own car for years and never asked anyone for help until it was costing too much to repair and I couldn't afford it. Anyway if my request for PIP is turned down I will be stuck at home with no light at the end of the tunnel. Getting out of the four walls acts like a distraction lol Misty x

Marypopins6868 25/10/2015 at 11:55 am

I have the above but I also have blood in my urine that shows up in the lab i am so worried and have to have a camera out in me to check so frightened PUT

Tazzers 19/07/2011 at 10:30 am

I feel very reassured by this article as a locum GP had told me that frequent / urgent / sometimes uncomfortable urination is not linked to fibromyalgia. He advised the frequent urination I was experiencing was due to the diagnosis of diabetes, which I do accept, but 'the running to the loo' etc had been occuring long before the diabetes was diagnosed. Now I have a bit of reassurance that I'm 'not imagining things'!

I was also fascinated to read about the sleep apnoea.

Thank you for the articles, I find them informative and wonderful in affirming I'm not a hypochondriac!

susie 15/07/2011 at 5:04 pm

I have had a good result with marshmallow root herb - I make it into a tea- for interstitial cystitus, it is really worth reading catherine Simone book "The Healing Path" and trying her remedies, I have had fibro for 10years , and other issues with it but this herb has really helped.

suzyQ 15/07/2011 at 1:56 pm

Thank you very much for your continued reports which I find very helpful. I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for 15 years and suffered with symptoms for at least 7 before that. I have had carpel tunnel on both wrists and have arthritis - currently being checked for what form. I am about to see a specalist re sleep apnoea. My biggest difficulty is acceptance together with the loss of mental facilites - I find other people do not understand the condition especially as I look reasonably well most of the time.Thank you Sue Caola

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